Plant spacing and the bond pattern determine the number of plants. A triangular bond packs them more tightly than a square one. Here's how to calculate plants per m² and per running metre for hedges and shelterbelts.
Introduction
The number of plants for a bed or a hedge follows from the plant spacing and from how the plants are set out — in a square or staggered (triangular). It's pure geometry, so it can be calculated precisely.
Guideline distances
- 01Normal plant and row spacing (mixed planting): 1.0–1.5 m (Plantning og Landskab).
- 02Shelterbelt (Naturstyrelsen, guidance): within the row typically 1.0 m; row spacing 1.0–2.0 m (often 1.5 m).
- 03Ground-cover plants (supplier guidance): typically 5–7 units/m², ranging 1–10 units/m² depending on species.
- 04Hedge plants (supplier guidance, not a standard): beech/privet 3–5 per m; laurel/yew/thuja 2–3 per m.
The hedge and ground-cover figures are species-dependent rules of thumb from suppliers — not a standard. Use them as an estimate, and calculate exactly once you know the actual plant spacing.
From plan to order
A planting is ordered based on a planting plan and a plant list, not on loose estimates. The method from drawing to order:
- 011. Measure each bed (area) or each hedge/row (linear metres).
- 022. Choose the species and the planting distance the species needs on site.
- 033. Calculate quantity per species using the bonding formula (square or triangle) or per running metre.
- 044. Add a shrinkage allowance.
- 055. Collect all species and quantities in one plant list, which is used for ordering and receipt inspection.
Bandage variants
The bonding — the pattern the plants are set in — affects both appearance and how closely the ground is covered:
- 01Square bond: plants in a regular grid; simple to set out and calculate.
- 02Triangle/offset planting: each row is offset by half the spacing, so plants stand in triangles; packs approximately 15.5% more plants and covers the ground faster — suitable for groundcover.
- 03Row bonding (hedge/windbreak): plants in one or more parallel rows with fixed planting and row spacing.
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