English Oak hedge (Quercus robur) description
The classic English Oak is a hugely popular, deciduous, native species. It features multi-lobed deep green leaves on short stems which grow in clusters on its gently twisting branches. It provides rich autumn colour when its dark green foliage turns yellow and burnt orange before falling fall to the ground.
Best uses for English Oak hedging
Quercus robur is a real wildlife haven; it's a food source and natural habitat to more species of British wildlife than any other native tree, around 2,300 species, especially when acorn production begins. Even the fallen leaves, when breaking down into leaf mould, support literally hundreds of insect and lots of fungi species whilst the acorns provide food for woodland mammals such as deer, squirrels and even badgers. English Oak also has an incredibly strong and slightly twisty framework of branches which make it a very resilient hedge, especially in exposed locations with extremes of weather.
Combine your Oak hedge with
Grown alone, English Oak hedging creates an attractive and effective screen; however, it can also be combined with any number of other native plants for a diverse hedgerow, boasting an array of different flowers, berries and foliage colours. If you're looking for a readymade native hedge for instant impact, then consider our mixed hedging packs.
Growth rate of English Oak hedging
Quercus robur will grow faster or slower according to the soil conditions, but on average grows around 20-40cm a year in reasonably fertile, well-drained soil. it is one of the few species that will even tolerate lime in the soil. An Oak hedge is suitable for heights between 1-4m.
Care advice for English Oak hedging
Quercus robur is one of the few species that can be left to grow without much maintenance being required at all. A simple trim of any wayward shoots once the plant becomes dormat in late autumn is all that is needed.
Recommended planting density for Quercus robur
For information on specific planting density related to English Oak hedging, please see the product table. In the 'No. Per Metre' column, you will find our recommended plant density for each individual plant and root type. For further information, visit our hedge planting density page.
Our English Oak hedge plants can be purchased year-round as cell grown plants, or between November and mid/late May, we offer Quercus robur as bare roots, using cold stored plants towards the end of the season.
The majority of our English Oak hedging plants are UK grown by our on-hand experts who have generations of nursery growing experience. At best4hedging, we do our best to ensure that your plants reach you in the freshest condition and that they are of the highest standard, whilst protecting our outstanding prices. Rest assured you can buy English Oak hedging online with complete confidence that the standard of service and products you receive will be of the very best quality.
