What is a hedgerow and why plant one?
A hedgerow is a long, narrow planting of woody and sometimes herbaceous plants along a field boundary, fence, road or waterway. It can include shrubs, small trees and ground-level plants, arranged to give a continuous strip of cover.
Reasons to plant one include wildlife habitat, pollinator forage, wind and dust reduction, privacy, livestock shelter and soil protection. Your own goals decide the design, so write them down before you buy plants.
- Habitat and corridors for wildlife
- Forage for pollinators
- Wind, dust and noise reduction
How does a hedgerow help wildlife?
Birds nest and shelter in the dense growth, and berries, seeds and buds provide food through the seasons. Insects, including pollinators and the predators of some crop pests, live in and feed on the plants.
Hedgerows also act as travel corridors that let small animals move between patches of habitat under cover. Audubon and extension sources describe hedgerows as useful edge habitat when planted with a mix of native species.
Dense woody cover can also shelter animals you may not want, such as rodents or browsing deer, so watch how your hedgerow is used. A mix of plants, and regular observation, lets you adjust the design over time.
- Nest sites and winter cover
- Food from fruit, seeds and flowers
- Safe travel routes for small animals
How do you plan the design?
Decide where the hedgerow will go, how long and how wide it should be, and what mix of plants fits. Consider mature size, sun and shade, soil, moisture and any need for access along either side for mowing or fence maintenance.
Choose a variety of native species with different heights, bloom times and fruiting seasons. Ask your conservation district, NRCS or extension office for recommended plants for your region and for any programs that provide guidance.
- Set goals, then choose location and length
- Pick a mix of native species
- Leave access for equipment on at least one side
What should you check before you plant?
Call your utility locating service before digging, and confirm property lines and any easements or setbacks. Local rules, including road or driveway sight-line requirements and fence or boundary rules, differ by town and county. Ask your local zoning or planning office.
Also think about neighbors. A hedgerow that drops leaves, shades a field or blocks a view may need a conversation first, and some plants may be restricted or considered invasive in your state.
Think about snow and drainage. A hedgerow placed along a road can trap drifting snow or slow water movement across a low spot. Observing wind, snow and water patterns for a season before planting can save you from regrets later.
- Locate utilities before digging
- Confirm boundaries and setbacks locally
- Check which species are restricted in your state
How do you plant and establish it?
Prepare a strip free of competing grass and weeds, and plant at the right time for your climate, generally when plants are dormant or soil is moist and cool. Space plants according to their mature size, not the size they are at planting.
Protect young plants from browsing, mowing and weed competition. Mulch or weed barriers help, and watering through the first dry spells improves survival. Expect to replace some plants in the first years.
- Prepare a weed-free strip
- Space for mature size
- Protect and water young plants
What does ongoing maintenance involve?
Hedgerows are not maintenance-free. Plan for weed control early on, and later for occasional pruning or rejuvenation to keep growth dense. Timing matters for wildlife, so avoid heavy trimming during the nesting season.
Keep spray and fertilizer away from the planting, and watch for invasive species that may move in. Check for damaged fences and plants after storms and keep notes on what is performing well.
- Avoid heavy trimming in nesting season
- Keep chemicals away from the strip
- Replace plants that fail
Can you get help with the cost?
Costs include plants, protection, site preparation, tools or hired help, and ongoing care. NRCS, conservation districts and some state programs offer technical help or cost-share for hedgerows and similar plantings, but programs and eligibility change and differ by state.
Ask first, because some programs require pre-approval and specific plant lists, spacing and maintenance commitments.
- Ask NRCS about current practices and programs
- Get pre-approval before planting
- Keep receipts and photos
Key takeaways
- A hedgerow is a planned strip of shrubs and small trees that provides habitat, forage and shelter.
- Use a mix of native species with different heights and bloom times.
- Check utilities, property lines and local rules before planting.
- Protect young plants and plan maintenance, including pruning outside nesting season.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Homestead & Small Farm Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.