Good drainage helps your hedge establish faster and grow stronger. Here’s how to check your soil, avoid common mistakes, and create the right conditions for lasting success.
Healthy soil needs both air and moisture. After heavy rain or watering, the water should be able to drain away within a reasonable time — ideally within a few hours. If it lingers, the soil can become waterlogged and starved of oxygen.
Poor drainage leads to waterlogged soil, which displaces oxygen and can cause root rot, reduced root growth, nutrient imbalances, and poor overall plant health. Over time, this can affect hedge establishment and long-term performance.
A good way to check your soil is with a percolation (perk) test.
Dig a hole about 300 mm deep and 100–300 mm wide, fill it with water, and let it drain completely. Then refill it and measure how quickly the water level drops over time.
It might seem like a good idea to add compost or gravel to the planting hole to improve drainage, but both can have the opposite effect.
These practices can create what’s known as a perched water table, where water sits above the layer and can’t move through — exactly the opposite of what’s intended.
Plant Your Hedge Slightly Raised
In heavier or wetter soils, position the hedge so the root ball sits just above the surrounding ground level. This helps keep roots out of saturated soil and encourages excess water to drain away naturally.
Move Surface Water Away Before It Reaches the Planting Area
Shape or contour the ground so that rainwater flows around the hedge line rather than into it. Shallow swales, edging, or subtle grading can make a big difference to how water behaves on site.
Provide a Way for Water to Drain Laterally
If the site tends to hold water, install a shallow trench or perforated drain to redirect excess water sideways to a more free-draining area. Even a gentle lateral outlet can help prevent pooling.
Be Mindful of High Water Tables
In low-lying areas or those with heavy subsoils, the natural water table may sit close to the surface — especially after prolonged rain. If water sits in the planting area for long periods, raised planting or relocation to a higher point may be necessary.
Avoid Soil Compaction
Compacted soil makes it harder for water to soak in and for roots to breathe. Avoid walking or working on wet ground, and loosen compacted areas before planting. Once planted, keep heavy traffic away from the root zone to maintain soil structure.
Good drainage doesn’t just prevent wet feet — it supports root health, helps plants establish faster, and sets your hedge up for strong, even growth. Taking the time to assess and improve drainage before planting is one of the best investments you can make in the long-term success of your Living Walls™ instant hedge.
