Hedge Trimming Tips

Hedge Trimming Tips For Proper Trimming And Pruning

Hedge trimming is almost always best done during warmer temperatures. A couple of hedge variations might withstand cold and frost, but most will react poorly to having new cuts exposed to low temperatures.

When to trim

During summer you can fine-trim as much as you want, periodically snipping outgrowth during the growing cycle will encourage growth and make it branch upwards. If needed, do two major trims – one in the middle of summer and the other towards the end.

Tools

Be careful when choosing what tools you use. Cheap tools often loose their edge fast and a dull blade can do more damage than good by squeezing while cutting, thus getting in the way of the healthy re-growth. To achieve the best result use hand pruners for the majority of the fine work, hedge shears with serrated blades for heavier branches and lopping shears for the thickest ones. If you do not have the proper equipment contact a professional.

• Hand pruners or secateurs – to be used for finer work
• Hedge clippers – preferably with serrated blade for heavier branches
• Pruning loppers – for the thickest branches
• Electrical hedge trimmers – double-sided for shaping or single-sided for the straight portions of the hedge.

How to do it

To trim your hedges into an even, beautiful shape, you might want to use strings (or a measure laser) as guidelines. First you get rid of the ”main offenders”, large branches sticking out, then get down to the fine pruning. Hedge sides should be trimmed wider at the base to provide maximum light and sun for the exposed leaves. The hedge should resemble a vase turned upside-down.
So, what has to go? If you’re trimming it down for re-growth you can focus on long branches in the middle whereas if you’re just ”fine-tuning” you can concentrate on shape, evenness and thinning out. Start from the top and work your way downward. Also remember to fertilize the hedge to give it energy and to stimulate further growth.

With these few tips – and a bit of old-fashioned, hands-down work – you should be able to achieve a good-looking, healthy hedge with a minimum of trouble!

When in doubt or if you not enough time, call a professional they will be happy to take care of this right away for you. They are trained to do this type of work every day.