Which hedge grows fastest and copes with Stockholm's climate?
By Service Plus Stockholm AB5 min read
Short answer
Which hedge plant grows fastest while still surviving Stockholm's winters?
Thuja, especially the variety Brabant, grows fastest of the winter-hardy hedge plants in Stockholm at 30–40 cm per year and is hardy in zones 1–4. If you want a deciduous hedge, shiny cotoneaster (Cotoneaster lucidus) is a good alternative: it grows almost as fast, is hardy down to zone 6 and copes with salt and wind better than thuja. Privet also grows quickly but can drop its leaves in severe winters in exposed positions. The choice comes down to whether the hedge needs to be evergreen or whether losing its leaves is acceptable.
Would you rather have it done for you? Read about planting in Stockholm – what is included, what affects the price and how to book.
Which hedge grows fastest in Stockholm's climate?
Thuja of the variety Brabant is the fastest-growing hedge plant that is also reliably winter-hardy in the Stockholm area. It can put on 30–40 cm per year during the first years and reaches normal hedge height in a relatively short time. Thuja is evergreen, which makes it popular as a privacy screen all year round.
- Thuja Brabant, 30–40 cm per year, hardy in zones 1–4
- Thuja Smaragd, 15–20 cm per year, denser but somewhat slower
- Shiny cotoneaster (Cotoneaster lucidus), 25–35 cm per year, hardy in zones 1–6
- Privet, 30–40 cm per year, hardy in zones 1–3 in a sheltered position
- Hornbeam, 20–30 cm per year, very winter-hardy but deciduous
Which hedge plants cope best with Stockholm's winters?
Hardiness is about the zone rating and how sheltered the position is. Stockholm is mainly in zone 1, with some colder spots in zone 2, which means most common hedge plants work if they are planted correctly.
Shiny cotoneaster and hornbeam tolerate the most; they cope even in exposed positions near water or on high ground where the wind is strong. Thuja is hardy but can get brown branches in extreme cold without snow cover, especially in open positions.
- Shiny cotoneaster, tolerates wind, salt and cold very well
- Hornbeam, keeps its dry leaves in winter and provides privacy even in winter
- Thuja, needs some shelter to avoid winter burn
- Privet, can drop its leaves in unusually cold winters without snow
- Beech, beautiful but more sensitive to drought and needs better soil
Thuja or a deciduous hedge – which suits best?
The choice between thuja and a deciduous hedge such as shiny cotoneaster or hornbeam depends on what the hedge is for. Thuja gives dense privacy all year round and is a good choice along a boundary facing the street or a neighbour.
Deciduous hedges such as shiny cotoneaster and hornbeam are often more tolerant of extreme weather, need less care when under stress and suit exposed positions such as the archipelago or high-lying areas around Stockholm better.
How do you plant a fast-growing hedge for the best start?
The best time to plant a hedge in Stockholm is September to October or April to May, when the soil is moist and temperate. Autumn planting gives the plant time to establish a root system before the summer drought.
The soil should be dug at least 40 cm deep and mixed with planting soil or compost to give the hedge a good start.
- Dig a planting hole or trench 40–50 cm wide and deep
- Mix in compost or planting soil for better nutrition
- Plant 30–50 cm apart depending on species and desired density
- Water generously at planting and regularly during the first season
- Trim the leading shoots lightly in the first year to encourage side branches
What affects the price of planting a new hedge?
The price of planting a hedge is determined by the length of the hedge, the choice of species, plant size and how much soil improvement is needed. Service Plus always assesses the work on site and provides a free quote with a clear price or an hourly rate before the work begins.
The labour cost for planting can qualify for a RUT deduction of up to 50%, with a cap of SEK 75,000 per person per year. Plants and soil count as materials and do not qualify for the RUT deduction.
- Length of the hedge and number of plants
- Choice of species; thuja often costs more per plant than privet or shiny cotoneaster
- Plant size; larger plants give faster results but cost more
- Need for soil improvement or drainage
- Access on the plot for machinery and materials
How Service Plus helps you choose and plant the right hedge
Service Plus Stockholm AB helps you choose a hedge plant based on position, soil type and the intended purpose, whether it is privacy, a windbreak or a decorative boundary. Flora, Service Plus's planting specialist, assesses the site and suggests the species that will give the best result in your particular position.
After planting, Service Plus can also take care of trimming and maintenance so that the hedge grows dense and even during the first important years.
Common follow-up questions
How quickly do you get a finished hedge with thuja?
With Thuja Brabant and growth of 30–40 cm per year, it usually takes a few seasons to reach a hedge height of 1.5–2 metres, depending on the plant size at planting.
Can you plant a hedge in autumn in Stockholm?
Yes, September to October is one of the best periods because the soil is still warm while the hedge avoids the drought stress of summer.
Do fast-growing hedges need more water?
Yes, species such as thuja and privet grow quickly and need regular watering during the first season, especially during dry periods in summer.
Is shiny cotoneaster evergreen or deciduous?
Shiny cotoneaster is deciduous but often keeps some of its leaves well into winter, which provides some privacy even during the cold months.
