Accurate measurements help you order the right quantity of Living Walls™ and prepare enough space for the hedge, rootballs and installation trench.
Height, length, width and depth each describe a different measurement.
If you think of a swimming pool, its length runs from one end to the other, its width runs from side to side, and its depth is measured down from the surface. The same applies to a hedge. Length follows the hedge line, width describes the body of the hedge from front to back, and depth refers to how far down the installation trench or hole extends. Height measures the foliage upwards from the top of the bag or rootball.
Here is what each measurement means and how to use it when planning your hedge.
Length is the horizontal measurement running from left to right along your hedge line, from one end to the other.
Measure the usable hedge line from one end to the other. Living Walls™ are grown and supplied in whole one-metre hedge lengths, so allow one hedge length for each linear metre of finished hedge.
For example, a 15-metre hedge line requires 15 one-metre hedge lengths.
Each rootball is approximately 900 mm long, while the foliage extends to approximately one metre. When installed, the rootballs are spaced around 100 mm apart so the foliage meets without the rootballs touching.
The foliage should meet. The rootballs should not.
If the remaining space is less than 500 mm, you can generally order the lower whole-metre quantity. The installer can adjust the gaps between rootballs slightly and leave a little room at each end for the foliage to grow into.
If the remaining space is more than 500 mm, we generally recommend rounding up and ordering another hedge length. If necessary, the installer can cut through the rootball between plants and use part of that length to fill the remaining space.
If the remaining space is close to 500 mm and you are unsure whether to round up or down, contact us before ordering.
Living Walls™ are supplied in whole metres only. See our Installation Guides before adjusting the spacing or cutting a rootball.
Measure the length of the area where the hedge can actually be installed. Account for pipes, posts, large tree roots or other obstructions that may prevent installation along part of the hedge line.
If you discover an obstruction after ordering, let us know before dispatch so we can confirm whether the quantity should be adjusted.
Pleached Screen trees are generally installed at one-metre centres so the framed foliage meets to create a continuous elevated screen.
The frames prevent the trees from being installed closer together, but they can be spaced farther apart if preferred. Keep the spacing between each tree equal.
Height is the vertical measurement from the top of the bag or rootball to the top of the foliage.
The bag itself is not included in our listed hedge heights.
For example, a Living Boundary™ hedge listed at approximately 1200 mm has around 1.2 metres of foliage above the top of its rootball.
Pleached Screen overall heights are also measured from the top of the bag, excluding the bag itself. The clear-stem and framed-foliage measurements are shown separately in our specifications.
If you are arranging your own transport, add the height of the bag or rootball when calculating the total load height.
Width describes how broad the hedge is from front to back.
Most Living Walls™ hedges are trimmed on a gentle taper, with the foliage slightly narrower at the top than at the base. This allows more light to reach the lower foliage and helps maintain density towards the bottom of the hedge.
When we state the hedge width, we mean the width at the base, which is generally the widest part of the foliage.
The hedge bag width is a separate measurement. It is taken across the bag at its widest bulge, where the rootball is most substantial. This measurement determines the minimum trench, container or planter-box width needed for installation.
Depth is the vertical measurement down into the ground.
For in-ground Living Walls™, depth refers to the recommended trench depth needed to accommodate the rootball. For Pleached Screen, it refers to the depth of the continuous trench or individual installation hole.
The required depth depends on the bag size and site conditions. Heavy, wet or very free-draining soils may require the rootball to be positioned differently, so check the appropriate Installation Guide before preparing the site.
See our Specifications for approximate weights, foliage dimensions, trench sizes and minimum container dimensions.
For current varieties, available heights, bag sizes and prices, see our Price List.
When you are ready to prepare the site, see our Living Walls™ Installation Guides.
