Trees or Hedging? A Simple Guide to Choosing Native Plants for Your Space
Planting native Irish trees and hedging is one of the most rewarding things you can do for your garden - but it can also feel surprisingly confusing at first.
Many native species can be grown as trees, hedging, or as part of a mixed planting scheme. The difference isn’t the species themselves - it’s how they’re planted and managed. This guide explains the options clearly, so you can choose with confidence.
First things first: trees and hedging aren’t opposites
Species such as hawthorn, hazel, rowan, crab apple and wild cherry are commonly used both as trees and as hedging. What changes is:
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Spacing
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Pruning and management
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The outcome you want
Think less about labels, and more about what you want your planting to do.
A quick guide to choosing the right option
| If you want… | Choose… |
|---|---|
| A boundary, privacy or shelter | Native Hedgerow Mixes |
| Trees suited to gardens and managed spaces | Garden Tree Mixes |
| A natural, long-term planting with space to grow | Woodland Tree Mixes |
| One specific species | Individual Native Trees |
Below, we explain each option in a little more detail.
Native Hedgerow Mixes
Best for boundaries, shelter and wildlife corridors
Hedgerows are created by planting trees and shrubs closely together and managing them through regular pruning. This encourages dense growth at the base, making them ideal for:
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garden boundaries
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privacy and shelter
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farms and field divisions
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wildlife corridors
Native hedgerows offer huge biodiversity value, with spring blossom for pollinators, dense summer cover, and berries and nuts in autumn and winter.
Explore our Native Hedgerow Mixes, including Easy-Cut, Traditional and Forager’s options.
Garden Tree Mixes
Best for smaller gardens and managed planting
Garden Tree Mixes are designed for spaced planting, where trees are allowed to grow naturally but remain appropriate in scale for gardens.
These mixes are ideal if you want:
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seasonal interest without overwhelm
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blossom, shade and fruit through the year
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trees that can be enjoyed individually
They work well in lawns, borders, corners of gardens, or as small groups.
Explore our Garden Tree Mixes for balanced, garden-friendly planting.
Woodland Tree Mixes
Best for larger spaces and natural planting
Woodland Tree Mixes are designed for planting where space allows trees to mature naturally over time. They’re ideal for:
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larger gardens
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glades and woodland edges
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rewilding or low-intervention planting
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long-term biodiversity impact
These mixes are about patience and legacy - allowing trees to grow with minimal pruning and intervention.
Explore our Woodland Tree Mixes for natural, long-term planting.
Individual Native Trees
Best if you know what you want
If you already have a specific species in mind - or want to build your own bespoke mix - individual native trees are the right place to start.
Planted with space, they grow into feature trees. Planted closely and managed, some can also be used as hedging. Each product page includes planting and spacing guidance to help you decide.
Browse our Individual Native Trees to choose species individually.
Still unsure? Start small
There’s no wrong choice when planting native. Whether you plant one tree, a small mix, or a full hedgerow, you’re supporting wildlife, improving soil health, and reconnecting with Ireland’s natural landscape.
If you’re unsure, start with a Garden Tree Mix or a small hedgerow run — you can always build from there.
Need help choosing?
If you’re planning a larger project or aren’t sure which option best suits your space, feel free to get in touch. We’re always happy to help guide you.
