Hedgetrimming Tips

Maintaining a beautiful garden requires more than just green thumbs; it requires a keen eye for detail and the right tools for the job. If you're looking to enhance the aesthetics of your outdoor space, one crucial aspect to focus on is hedgetrimming. Well-pruned hedges not only add structure and elegance to your garden but also promote healthy growth. In this article, we'll delve into the art of hedgetrimming and provide you with invaluable tips and techniques to ensure your hedges are always in top form.

Firstly, you might be wondering when the best time of year is to cut your hedges. During the summer you can gradually fine trim hedges as much as you feel necessary. 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. However the general rule to follow is:

For Deciduous hedges

Formative pruning: In winter, just after planting, and for the first two years after planting
Maintenance pruning: Each summer

For Evergreen hedges

Formative pruning: In the spring after planting and for the first two years after planting
Maintenance pruning: Each summer

If you are wanting to trim a hedge that is roughly chest height in size, then the easiest first step in doing so is to start cutting the sides vertically in a sweeping arc motion. If you have invested in a hedge trimmer with a double sided blade, then you will save even more time as you will be cutting both upwards and downwards in one stroke. If you begin walking forwards as you trim, then you will be cutting more sections of the hedge in one go. After you have completed the sides of the hedge, then move on to the top. The cutting blade is ideally positioned horizontally at a very slight angle.

If you have a tall hedge, then you want to be investing in a long reach hedge cutter. To trim the top of a taller hedge, you will want an angled cutter bar which you can place on top of the hedge to move horizontally across. To trim the sides of a tall hedge it follows almost the same protocol of a chest high hedge. But firstly adjust the angle of the cutting head to suit your working position, keep it straight when you are close, and set it to an angle when you are away from it. Continue to work in a sweeping arc motion.

Helpful Hints:

• New hedges should be pruned from an early stage to establish a shape and prevent unhealthy growth.
• A formal hedge should be tapered – wider at the bottom than the top, ensuring the lower part will get the sunlight needed for healthy growth.
• To trim your hedges into an even, beautiful shape, you might want to use strings as guidelines.
• Remove any large branches sticking out before you begin trimming.
• Fertilize the hedge to give it energy and to stimulate further growth.
• Check that there are no birds nesting in your hedges, as it is an offence under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 to damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built.
• Keep trimmer blades sharp and clean for maximum efficiency.
• Keep safe and wear the correct protective clothing.