Rootball Hedging: 6 Evergreen Conifers | Caragh Nurseries

Rootball hedging is a lovely way to create a little more privacy, add shelter and bring beautiful year-round greenery to your garden.

And if you’re looking for something with a little height and structure, evergreen conifers are always worth considering.

From soft blue-green foliage and golden tones to those lovely rich greens that look beautiful in every season, there’s so much more to conifer hedging than you might think.

Here at Caragh Nurseries, we’ve picked out seven evergreen conifers that we think are particularly lovely for creating a greener boundary.

Why Choose Conifers for Rootball Hedging?

There’s something wonderful about a garden that feels green and sheltered all year round.

Evergreen conifers are ideal for creating that feeling, with their dense foliage, natural height and ability to form a lovely screen along a garden boundary.

They can help soften neighbouring views, provide shelter from the wind and give the garden a sense of structure, even in the middle of winter.

Choosing rootballed plants means you’re starting with more established trees, so you don’t have to wait quite as long for your hedge to begin making an impact.

Our rootball season generally runs from late autumn through to March, making the cooler months an ideal time to think about planting.

Six Evergreen Conifers for a Greener Garden

1. Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Columnaris’ – Beautiful Blue-Green Foliage

If you’re looking for something a little different from a traditional green hedge, ‘Columnaris’ is a beautiful option.

Its soft, blue-grey foliage brings a lovely cool tone to the garden, while its naturally narrow, upright habit makes it a wonderful choice for creating height and structure.

It looks particularly lovely against lighter planting, natural stone and more contemporary garden designs.

Available size: 150–175cm rootballed

2. Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Yvonne’ – A Little Golden Colour

There’s something rather lovely about a golden conifer, particularly during the darker winter months.

‘Yvonne’ has beautiful soft, golden-yellow foliage that holds its colour through the seasons, bringing warmth and brightness to the garden.

Its naturally upright shape makes it a lovely option for an evergreen hedge, especially where you’d like a little colour as well as privacy.

Available size: 150–175cm rootballed

3. Cupressocyparis leylandii ‘Gold Rider’ – Golden Greenery All Year

If you like the practicality of Leylandii but fancy something with a little more colour, ‘Gold Rider’ is a beautiful alternative.

Its soft golden-yellow foliage brings warmth to a garden boundary, particularly when planted where it can catch plenty of sunlight.

It’s a vigorous evergreen that can provide excellent screening and shelter, while adding a lovely golden tone to your garden throughout the seasons.

Available size: 175–200cm rootballed

4. Thuja occidentalis ‘Brabant’ – A Lovely Lush Green Hedge

‘Brabant’ is a wonderful choice if you’re after a classic evergreen hedge with lovely fresh green foliage.

It has a naturally dense, upright growing habit and responds well to regular clipping, making it ideal for creating a neat green screen.

It’s also a lovely option for bringing a little more shelter and structure to the garden without the very vigorous growth of Leylandii.

Available size: 180–200cm rootballed

5. Thuja occidentalis ‘Pyramidalis Compacta’ – Neat and Naturally Shaped

If you prefer something that keeps a lovely shape without too much trimming, ‘Pyramidalis Compacta’ is well worth a look.

This beautiful evergreen has dense, fresh green foliage and a naturally compact, pyramidal habit.

It’s a lovely choice for more structured planting, whether you’re creating a neat row along a boundary or adding height and definition to a particular part of the garden.

Available size: 175–200cm rootballed

6. Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’ – Beautiful Emerald Green

‘Smaragd’ is one of those evergreens that always looks lovely.

Its rich emerald-green foliage holds its beautiful colour throughout the year, while its naturally narrow, conical shape gives it a very neat appearance.

It’s particularly lovely for creating a more formal evergreen boundary or a row of beautifully shaped trees.

And because it’s slower growing than some other conifers, it’s a good choice if you’d prefer something that doesn’t need quite as much clipping.

Available sizes: 100–120cm and 175–200cm rootballed

Which Rootball Hedging Is Right for Your Garden?

Choosing the right conifer really comes down to the look you’d like to achieve and the space you have available.

If you’re looking for a taller screen and don’t mind regular trimming, Leylandii or ‘Brabant’ could be wonderful choices.

For something a little more colourful, ‘Columnaris’, ‘Yvonne’ and ‘Gold Rider’ bring beautiful blue-grey and golden tones.

And if you prefer a naturally neat, structured look, ‘Smaragd’ or ‘Pyramidalis Compacta’ might be just what you’re looking for.

It’s worth thinking about how tall you’d like your hedge to grow, how much width you can allow and whether your garden is particularly exposed. A little planning now will make all the difference as your hedge grows.

A Few Tips for Planting Rootball Hedging

When planting rootballed conifers, a little care at the beginning will help them settle in beautifully.

Prepare the ground before planting, making sure the soil is loosened and drains well. Keep the rootball wrapping in place while handling the plants, and follow the appropriate planting guidance for the wrapping material.

Plant at the correct depth, firm the soil gently around the roots and give everything a really good watering.

It’s also important to keep your new hedge watered during dry spells, particularly throughout its first couple of growing seasons.

And don’t forget to allow enough space between plants for their eventual size. Different varieties have different growing habits, so we’re always happy to advise on spacing before you plant.

Let’s Find the Right Hedge for Your Garden

Whether you’re looking for a little more privacy, some shelter from the wind or simply a beautiful evergreen boundary, there’s a lovely selection of conifers to choose from.

Rootball season is the ideal opportunity to get planting, and with a little care, your new hedge will soon begin to settle into its new home.

Have a browse through our rootballed hedging collection, or come and visit us here at Caragh Nurseries in Kildare.

And if you’re not quite sure which variety would suit your garden, do get in touch. We’re always happy to help.