Indian Laurel Columns

Indian Laurel – Privacy Hedge Spacing Guide

When planting Indian Laurel (Ficus nitida) columns, spacing depends on the container size and how quickly you want the hedge to fill in. Below are the spacing recommendations for achieving an instant privacy hedge—a full, dense look immediately upon planting—along with the number of trees needed for 20 linear feet.

Instant Privacy Hedge

For immediate, dense coverage, plant the trees closer together, ensuring that their leaves almost touch. This creates a full privacy screen right away, offering maximum privacy, noise reduction, and a lush, green backdrop without the need to wait for the hedge to mature over time.

On-Center Spacing

On-center spacing refers to the distance between the centers of two adjacent plants. This method ensures uniform spacing across the hedge, promoting even growth and a consistent appearance.

• Full sun or partial shade
• Plant in well drained, moderately fertile, sandy or loamy soil
• Protect from temperatures above 110℉, especially when young
• Hardy to 30℉ and grows best in USDA zones 10-11

• Plant in well drained, moderately fertile, sandy or loamy soil.
• Choose a location with adequate drainage.
• Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
• Add G&B Organics Planting Mix to improve soil drainage and build a strong soil environment that allows plants to reach their full potential.
• Fill the hole with soil to the crown of the roots (careful not to bury it), ensuring that the plant is straight and secure in the ground.
• Water deeply and thoroughly after planting.
• For the first few growing seasons, continue to water deeply and regularly to establish an extensive root system.

• Water deeply and thoroughly after planting.
• For the first few growing seasons, continue to water deeply and regularly to establish an extensive root system.
• Once established, reduce frequency.
• Increase frequency during hot temperatures and periods of extreme heat. 

• Apply All Purpose Fertilizer 4-4-4 in early spring, before new growth begins.

• Keep plants pruned to maintain desired shape and size.
• Do not prune more than a third of the tree at one time. Removing more than a third, all at once, may result in damage. 
• The average preferred height of an Indian Laurel hedge is 5-10 feet. The height is determined by pruning and environmental factors.
• The minimum width of an Indian Laurel hedge is typically 3 feet but can be greater depending on pruning technique and frequency.

• Protect from frost. Ficus nitida is hardy to 30℉ and may shed its leaves due to cold temperatures but will quickly recover once the weather warms up.