Field Maple Bare Root Hedging 40–60cm (Acer campestre)

Field Maple (Acer campestre) bare root saplings, supplied at 40–60cm, deliver fast growth for robust, stock-proof, and wildlife-friendly UK hedges.

Product Details

• Species: Acer campestre (Field Maple)
• Supplied Size: 40–60cm bare root
• Growth Rate: 30–60cm per year
• Soil Suitability: Tolerates most soils, including shallow limestone and neutral pH
• Position: Full sun or partial shade
• Pruning: Tolerates hard pruning for hedge formation

Key Benefits

• Fast-establishing, stock-proof field boundaries
• Native UK species supporting pollinators and birds
• Cream-yellow autumn foliage for seasonal interest

FAQs

• What is the best fast-growing hedge plant for wildlife-friendly UK gardens?
  Field maple saplings are among the top native hedging plants, offering rapid growth, stock-proof characteristics, and significant wildlife value—including pollen and nectar for insects and habitat for birds.
• Are bare root field maple saplings suitable for limestone soils?
  Yes, Acer campestre tolerates shallow limestone and diverse soil types, provided drainage is adequate.
• How does field maple compare to hornbeam or hawthorn for boundaries?
  Field maple grows quickly like hornbeam but offers distinct autumn colour; it is less thorny than hawthorn, making maintenance easier.
• Will these 40–60cm saplings provide stock-proof coverage in one year?
  With a 30–60cm annual growth rate, dense, stock-proof coverage is achievable within 2–3 years under optimal conditions.
• Does field maple support native biodiversity and autumn colour?
  Yes, it provides cream-yellow leaf colour in autumn and habitat for a broad range of UK wildlife.

Planting and care

This is a bare-root plant, supplied dormant between November and March. Plant within a few days of arrival for best results, keeping the roots moist and out of direct sun until they go in the ground. Standard spacing is 3 plants per metre, or 5 per metre for a denser, faster screen.

Read our complete bare-root hedging buyer's guide for full instructions on when to plant, how to handle the plants on arrival, planting depth, spacing for different uses, and what to expect in the first season.