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An even green hedge starts with a plan. Planting too closely for quick results makes watering, trimming and replacing individual specimens harder later. Spacing too widely means waiting longer for gaps to close. Decide the hedge's purpose first, then choose a cultivar and planting arrangement.
Decide what kind of green wall you want
Mark the intended height, row length and space for access alongside it. Consider whether you want a formal clipped shape or natural crowns. 'Smaragd' and 'Brabant' have different growth habits, so know the cultivar in advance. Consider the mature size as well as the height of the potted sapling.
A local example is provided in TreesVitas's article on thuja hedges. Agree centre-to-centre spacing according to the planting material and intended shape rather than applying one number to every cultivar.
Prepare the entire row
Stretch a line, check light and locate places where water remains after rain. Beside a fence the soil may be dry even after rainfall, while a downpipe creates the opposite conditions. Arrange irrigation so plants at the ends receive as much attention as those in the middle.
Before planting, position the containers along the line and view the row from different parts of the garden. This helps reveal places too close to paths or a gate's opening space. Set plants at a suitable depth and check it after the first watering.
Shape gradually
Trimming should maintain the green surface rather than expose the old inner crown. Remove a small amount of fresh growth once the plant has established and during a suitable period for its cultivar. A slightly wider base helps lower branches receive light in a clipped hedge. General conifer pruning limits are explained by RHS.
Do not try to correct several missed years of trimming in one pass. If the row has outgrown the target height, first assess whether greenery remains below the proposed cut.
Check every plant
One browning plant does not mean the entire row needs fertiliser. Examine its root ball, soil, ties and water supply. Compare symptoms with neighbouring plants, record when changes began and identify the cause.
Keep access for maintenance and occasionally check whether fastening tape is constricting branches. Hedge density comes from consistent care of each plant; it does not result from one severe trim or unusually close planting.