Which hedge should you choose for a Dutch garden?
By Hovenier Hoofddorp · Updated July 19, 2026
The right hedge depends on three questions: how fast do you want privacy, how much trimming will you accept, and what does your soil allow? For fast screening choose laurel or privet; for a classic formal hedge beech or hornbeam; for evergreen shade-tolerance yew. On the clay of this region, hornbeam (Carpinus) is the most reliable choice.
How do the main hedge species compare?
| Hedge | Growth/year | Evergreen? | Trimming | Clay? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Privet (Ligustrum) | 30–60 cm | Semi | 2–3×/yr | Yes |
| Laurel (Prunus) | 30–50 cm | Yes | 1–2×/yr | Yes, if not too wet |
| Beech (Fagus) | 20–40 cm | Holds brown winter leaf | 1–2×/yr | Prefers lighter soil |
| Hornbeam (Carpinus) | 20–40 cm | Holds brown winter leaf | 1–2×/yr | Excellent |
| Yew (Taxus) | 10–20 cm | Yes | 1×/yr | Yes, with drainage |
Note: yew is poisonous — fine as a hedge, worth knowing with pets. Laurel grows wide: allow 60–80 cm depth.
When and how do you plant a hedge?
- Season: October to March (outside frost). Bare-root plants are available then at a fraction of container prices and establish superbly.
- Spacing: 3–5 plants per metre for beech, hornbeam and privet; 2–3 for laurel.
- Clay prep: dig a 40–50 cm planting trench and mix in compost; fix drainage first on wet spots.
- Watering: weekly in dry spells for the entire first season — first-year drought is the main cause of failed hedges.
When should you trim — and what about nesting birds?
Trim formal hedges twice a year: late May/June and late August/September. Shape the hedge slightly tapered (wider at the base) so the bottom stays dense. Always check for nests first: disturbing breeding birds is illegal in the Netherlands (breeding season 15 March – 15 July). A neglected privet, yew or laurel hedge can be cut back hard; conifers other than yew cannot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which hedge gives privacy fastest?
Laurel and privet grow 30–60 cm a year and form a dense 1.80 m screen within two to three seasons. For instant privacy, choose ready-grown hedge elements — pricier, but a full green wall from day one.
How high may a hedge be in the Netherlands?
Building law sets no height limit or permit requirement for hedges. Neighbour law does apply: a hedge should stand at least 50 cm from the boundary (unless the municipality allows less or your neighbour agrees), and neighbours can act against genuine nuisance.
What does a planted hedge cost?
Bare-root plants cost a few euros each; a fully planted hedge — trench, soil improvement, planting — runs roughly €20–€60 per metre depending on species and size. Ready-grown elements cost several times more but are instant.
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