How much water does a newly planted hedge need?
By Service Plus Stockholm AB3 min read
Short answer
How often and how much should you water a newly planted hedge?
A newly planted hedge needs 10–20 litres of water per plant twice a week during the first season, and more often in heat above 25 degrees. Water rarely and generously rather than a little and often, so the roots grow downwards. In the second year, watering once a week in dry spells is enough, and from the third year an established hedge manages without watering except during long dry periods.
Would you rather have it done for you? Read about watering in Stockholm – what is included, what affects the price and how to book.
Why is the first season decisive?
A newly planted hedge only has roots in the small root ball from the nursery, often 20–30 centimetres in diameter. It cannot draw water from the surrounding soil until new roots have grown out, which takes the whole first summer. If the root ball dries out even once, the plant can die, even if it looks green for several weeks afterwards.
The most common reason hedge plants die in Stockholm is not cold but drought in June and July of the first year.
How much and how often to water
- First year: 10–20 litres per plant, twice a week from planting until October. During a heatwave, three times a week.
- Second year: 20 litres per plant once a week during dry periods.
- Third year onwards: only during longer droughts, and then generously, about 30 litres per plant.
- Hedge planted in autumn: water every week until the ground freezes if it does not rain.
Water correctly, not just a lot
- Water directly at the base of the plant, not over the leaves. A drip hose along the hedge is best.
- Water rarely and generously. Shallow watering every day gives shallow roots that dry out quickly.
- Water in the morning or evening, never in the midday sun.
- Make a soil ridge around each plant so the water stays by the roots.
- Cover the soil with 5 centimetres of bark, which halves evaporation.
How to recognise drought stress
Wilting leaves in the afternoon that recover in the evening are the first sign. Leaves yellowing from inside the hedge, brown leaf edges and early leaf drop mean the damage has already begun. On thuja and other conifers, drought shows as brown patches from the inside out, often only several weeks after the dry period.
Push a finger into the soil by the root ball. If the soil is dry 5 centimetres down, it is time to water, whatever the calendar says.
Watering from Service Plus
Service Plus Stockholm AB waters newly planted hedges, trees and flower beds on a schedule throughout Greater Stockholm, especially appreciated during the July holidays when many new plantings are lost. Our watering specialist Droppen also installs drip irrigation with a timer along the hedge, which delivers the right amount of water every day without you having to think about it. Watering qualifies for the RUT deduction (the Swedish tax deduction for household services) of up to 50% of the labour cost.
Common follow-up questions
Can you water a hedge too much?
Yes, in clay soil with poor drainage. If water stands in the planting hole the roots rot. Water less but just as often, and improve drainage with gravel at planting.
What does drip irrigation for a hedge cost?
The material cost depends on the length of the hedge and which timer is chosen, and the installation qualifies for the RUT deduction. Service Plus assesses the price on site and provides a free quote before work begins.
Should you water the hedge in winter?
No, but evergreen hedges such as thuja should be watered thoroughly in November before the ground freezes, and during a prolonged thaw in February–March if the ground is dry.
