Why Plant in October: The Rootball Advantage

Why October is the Perfect Time to Plant Your Hedge

October marks the start of the rootball planting season — and it's one of the best times of year to establish hedging and ornamental trees in the UK. As the soil retains warmth from summer but benefits from autumn rainfall, newly planted rootballs settle in quickly and spend the winter developing a strong, healthy root system ready to power vigorous growth come spring.

Our rootball season runs from the last week of September / first week of October through to spring. You can reserve your plants now with just a 10% deposit, with the balance due before delivery.

The Rootball Advantage

Rootball plants are lifted with their full root system intact — unlike bare-root plants, they can be established across a wider planting window and suffer far less transplant shock. Here's why autumn rootball planting is so effective:

  • Warm soil, cooling air: October soil is still warm enough to encourage root development, while cooler air temperatures mean the plant isn't under stress from heat or active top growth.
  • Reduced transplant shock: Higher humidity and moderate temperatures mean less water demand on a newly planted rootball, giving it time to anchor and establish without strain.
  • All winter to establish: Plants installed in autumn spend the entire winter developing their root systems. By spring, they're ready to grow hard — with an established rootball that can support strong, healthy top growth from day one.
  • Better first-season performance: Autumn-planted specimens consistently outperform spring-planted ones in their first year, showing faster growth, better drought tolerance, and reduced need for supplementary watering.

Reserve Now — Just 10% Deposit

You don't need to wait until the season opens to secure your plants. Reserve your rootball hedging now with a 10% deposit and we'll deliver when the season begins — from late September / early October onwards.

This is especially useful if you're planning a larger planting scheme or want to guarantee availability of specific sizes and species before stocks are allocated.

A Note on Taxus (Yew)

English Yew rootballs (Taxus baccata) become available slightly earlier in the season than other species. If you're planning a Yew hedge, get in touch early — we can often accommodate earlier delivery for Taxus ahead of the main season opening.

Planting Tips for Success

  • Plant while soil is moist but not waterlogged or frozen
  • Ensure good soil-to-rootball contact and eliminate air pockets when backfilling
  • Apply a mulch layer around the base to insulate roots and retain moisture
  • Stake taller specimens to prevent wind rock while roots establish

Give your hedge the best possible start. Reserve your rootball plants today with just a 10% deposit and be ready to plant the moment the season opens.