How Many Plants Do You Need for a Hedge?
Works out the exact number of plants for a single or double hedge from its length and spacing, with an optional total cost estimate.
For a 33 ft hedge planted with Photinia at 30 in spacing, you need 14 plants in a single row, or 28 plants in a double staggered row. The calculation divides the total length by the spacing between plants and always rounds up, so the end of the hedge is never left with an open gap. A double row doubles the count because the back row sits in the gaps of the front row.
Start by measuring the planting line, not the boundary. Hedges rarely run in a straight line, so measure each run separately, skip the gaps at gates or walls, and add the results together. Next, choose a species, because recommended spacing varies widely between plants. Boxwood, Leyland cypress and English laurel, for example, each need a different spacing, so check the figure for the plant you intend to buy.
Spacing has a real effect on the result. Planting closer than the species needs makes plants compete for water and nutrients, and the hedge may thin at the top over time. Planting farther apart leaves gaps that can take years to fill. If the plant tag or your nursery gives a different spacing, enter that value in the spacing field, because the tag is the more specific guidance.
Plants are sold in several sizes. Smaller stock costs less but takes longer to give a full screen. Expect a newly planted hedge to take several years to reach its intended height and density, whatever the species. Order a spare plant or two if you expect losses during establishment, and plant during a cool, moist period so the roots can settle in.
Cost is optional. Enter the price you expect to pay per plant, and the calculator multiplies it by the total count. The result covers plants only. Soil, mulch, irrigation, delivery and planting labor are not included, so treat the figure as a starting budget for the plants alone.
The explanation below uses US units; the calculator works in either system.
The result updates automatically.
Measure in a straight line along the boundary where you'll plant
Auto-fills the spacing; adjust below if needed
Distance from the center of one plant to the center of the next
A double hedge is denser; plants are staggered between rows
Plants needed
- Spacing used
- 30 in
- Number of rows
- 1
How it works
Formula
How the calculation works
How to calculate the number of plants for a hedge
Planting a hedge looks simple, but the exact plant count matters more than it seems. Buying too few means a second order, and by the time it arrives the new plants may be a different size or from a different batch. Buying too many wastes money on stock that may never be used. The calculation gives you the number to order before you visit the nursery or place an online order.
How the calculation works
The method needs two values: the length of the hedge and the spacing between plants. Divide the length by the spacing and round the result up to the next whole number. Rounding up is deliberate, because one plant short leaves an unfinished gap at the end of the row. For example, a 33 ft hedge planted at 30 in spacing gives 33 ÷ 2.5 = 13.2, which rounds up to 14 plants.
The formula is written in metric units, with lengths and spacing in meters. The calculator converts your imperial entries automatically, so you can type feet and inches directly. In the formula, C is the total length, E is the spacing, F is the number of rows, N_row is the number of plants in each row, and N_total is the total to buy.
Each plant is treated as occupying one spacing interval along the line. The length divided by the spacing therefore gives the number of intervals the row must fill, and rounding up makes sure the last interval is covered. Many gardeners add a spare plant or two for losses, especially with young or bare-root stock. The calculator does not add this allowance automatically, so decide on it before you place the order.
Spacing by species
Spacing depends on the species, its mature width and the look you want. Take the spacing from the plant tag or from your nursery's guidance first, since that reflects the stock you are actually buying. Closer spacing gives a denser screen sooner but needs more plants, so both the species and the appearance you want affect the count.
Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) grows slowly and forms a very dense hedge. It suits low, formal hedges and tolerates regular clipping well. It is widely sold by garden centers and specialist nurseries across the country.
Photinia (Photinia × fraseri) is one of the most commonly planted hedge shrubs in many regions. Its new leaves are red, and it grows at a moderate pace.
English laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a robust evergreen with large, glossy leaves. It suits taller hedges, needs less maintenance than faster-growing conifers, and tolerates partial shade, which makes it useful near trees.
Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus) is a Mediterranean evergreen with white flowers in winter and blue-black berries in autumn. It suits informal hedges and gardens that aim to support local birds.
Leyland cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii) is among the fastest-growing hedge conifers, and it is often chosen for quick privacy. It can be planted closer than many broadleaf species for a denser screen sooner. Its rapid growth also means regular trimming, and it can outgrow a small garden if left unchecked.
English yew (Taxus baccata) is a slow-growing conifer that adapts well to shade, clipping and chalky soils. It suits formal hedges. Check plant-safety guidance before planting any species where children or pets might chew the foliage.
Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium) grows quickly and is widely used for property boundaries. It tolerates hard pruning. Before buying, check with a local nursery or your state's agricultural or extension service that the species is suitable for your area.
Single and double rows
A single row uses one line of plants and is the simplest and cheapest option. A double staggered row uses two parallel lines, with the plants in the back row set into the gaps of the front row. The result is a denser and more opaque barrier than a single row can give, which helps where privacy or noise reduction matters.
Double rows suit situations where you want a fuller screen sooner, or where a species tends to grow with open gaps. The calculator doubles the count for a double row. The distance between the two rows does not change the plant count, but it sets how wide the planting bed must be. Plan the bed width before you order, so the second row has room to grow.
Common mistakes
The most frequent error is measuring the length incorrectly. Hedges rarely follow a perfectly straight line, so walls, gates and corners should be measured as separate runs and added together. Measure along the planting line, not the property boundary, since the two are often different. On a curved hedge, follow the curve when measuring, because a straight line underestimates the length.
The second mistake is buying the smallest plants to save money and assuming they will catch up quickly. A newly planted hedge usually takes several years to reach useful height and density, even with fast-growing species.
The third mistake is ignoring the recommended spacing. Planting too close causes competition for water and nutrients and can leave a thin, unhealthy hedge at the top. Planting too wide leaves gaps that take a long time to close.
When to use this calculator, and when not to
The calculator suits simple residential hedges and planning purchases for boundary screens of modest length. It works well for runs up to about 165 ft on a typical residential lot. Other situations call for more advice. Difficult soil, such as waterlogged, very acidic or heavy clay ground, needs a site assessment before planting. Very long runs on rural property, and any hedge that raises a question about the boundary with a neighbor, should be checked with a landscape architect or a certified arborist.
Local rules and planting timing
Local rules can limit what you plant. Many cities and counties regulate hedge height through zoning or property maintenance codes, particularly in front yards and at street corners, where a tall hedge can block the view of drivers. Homeowners associations may also restrict species or height. Check with your local planning or code enforcement office before planting a tall screen near a road.
Planting timing depends on your climate. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/) shows which plants suit your winter conditions. Your county or state cooperative extension office, part of the USDA Cooperative Extension System (https://nifa.usda.gov/extension), publishes regional guidance on planting dates and suitable species. In cold winter areas, plant in early spring once the ground can be worked, before summer heat arrives. In mild regions, fall is usually preferred, since the soil is still warm and autumn rain helps roots establish. Avoid planting in the hottest months unless you can water reliably.
Estimating cost
The cost field multiplies the price you enter per plant by the total count. The estimate covers plants only. Soil, mulch, irrigation, delivery, planting labor and replacements are not included. For a realistic budget, ask your nursery for a price on the chosen size, then add the other items separately.
Frequently asked questions
How many boxwood plants do I need per foot of hedge?
At 16 in spacing, boxwood needs 0.75 plants per linear foot. For a 33 ft hedge, the calculation is 33 ÷ 1.33 ≈ 24.8, which rounds up to 25 plants. A double staggered row of the same length needs 50 plants. Check the spacing on your plant tag, because a different value changes the count.
What is the difference between a single row and a double row?
A single row has one line of plants. A double row has two parallel lines, with the plants in the back row offset to fill the gaps in the front row. The result is a denser, more opaque barrier. A double row uses about twice as many plants, so the cost doubles too, but privacy and visual density improve significantly.
Which hedge plant grows fastest?
Leyland cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii) is among the fastest-growing hedge conifers and is often chosen for quick privacy. Photinia and English laurel grow at a more moderate pace but form dense hedges that are easier to keep at a set height. Fast growth comes with a trade-off: Leyland cypress needs regular trimming to stay in bounds, so plan for that maintenance before planting.
When is the best time to plant a hedge?
The best time depends on your USDA hardiness zone, which you can look up on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/). In cold winter areas, plant in early spring once the ground can be worked, before summer heat arrives. In mild regions, fall is usually preferred, because the soil is still warm and autumn rain helps roots establish before summer. Avoid planting during the hottest months unless you can water reliably. Your county or state cooperative extension office (https://nifa.usda.gov/extension) can confirm planting dates for your area.
Do I need a permit to plant a hedge?
Usually not for a hedge on private property. However, many cities and counties regulate hedge height through zoning or property maintenance codes, especially in front yards and at street corners where tall plants can block the view of drivers. Homeowners associations may also limit species or height. Check with your local planning or code enforcement office before planting, particularly for a tall screen near a road.
Should I consult a professional before planting?
For a simple residential hedge up to about 165 ft long, consulting a professional is optional. For difficult soil, such as waterlogged, very acidic or heavy clay ground, very long runs on rural property, or a question about the property line with a neighbor, a landscape architect or certified arborist can help you avoid mistakes that are hard to correct once the plants are established.
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By RivoCalc · Reviewed under our editorial methodology · Updated June 28, 2026
Results are estimates. The count assumes the spacing you enter and a straight, continuous planting line, and it does not include losses, corners or replacement plants. Actual plant prices and availability vary by region and nursery.