how to trim a hedge

Pruning an informal hedge is much like pruning normal shrubs. Below are the steps to trim your hedge: 1. An electric or petrol hedge trimmer may be used to cover large areas of a hedge, but you may need secateurs for thick branches. Learning how to trim a hedge can be tricky when you first get started. Let Your Neighbours Trim Their Side Of The Hedge; Choose The Right Hedge. Method 1 – Using stakes and string, you can string along a straight line along the top of the hedge. When using an electric trimmer, make sure you follow the directions given. Somewhere in the world, hopefully close to you, it’s spring and sunny. Common shrubs often used for hedges … You can trim non-flowering shrubs anytime except late autumn when any new growth the plant has after trimming won't have time to mature before it goes dormant. Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences. Trim your hedge from the top to the bottom, and then stand away from it to make sure that it’s even. A petrol hedge trimmer is much easier to use for this task. It’s better to make a second cut rather than wait for an over-enthusiastically clipped hedge to grow back. The best results are achieved when the new growth (the lighter green part of the hedge) is cut back by one-third to one-half its length. Friday, 16 August, 2019 at 10:46 am . If this is not possible, there may not be enough green growth, it would be better to replace the hedge. This is a generally good practice to make sure that any structure isn’t damaged. Begin on one side of the hedge and trim back the branches until the bush is at the desired thickness. If there are, and your hedge trimming might disturb them, wait until the chicks have fledged before starting work. But trimming also isn’t an easy process. If your hedge is currently flowering, you usually don’t want to trim it. Most hedge trimming tips involve trimming away overgrown or dead stems, to encourage new growth, and keep the hedge healthy and foliage bright green. Whether your hedge blooms or not will also affect when you want to trim it, and the most optimal methods of trimming. While you cut your hedge, look for any dead branches or damaged leaves. If you're used to buying our magazine from the shops,  you can now order and receive the next issue delivered to your home. For example, privet hedges are particularly susceptible to hon… Tall hedges. You can read petrol hedge trimmers review here. However, springtime is the best time to prune juniper shrubs. You can trim non-flowering shrubs anytime except late autumn when any new growth the plant has after trimming won't have time to mature before it goes dormant. If you start to see leaf discolouration that spreads through the plant, that’s often a clear sign that something is taking hold. Before using shears to trim your hedges, you need to first get rid of any overgrowth that may have resulted to the thickening of the area outside your hedge. The branches over the path should be cut to retain some green growth and then cut regularly to keep the hedge under control. With a pair of pruning shears, start making cuts away from the terminal buds that are at a 45-degree angle, ¼ inch above the next highest bud. DON’T Be tempted to cut straight lines ‘by eye’; some kind of hedge clipping guide is needed. Yew can also be cut back to bare branches, but it is best to do one side of the hedge, allow it to grow back, and then to do the opposite side. If you cut near the top of the hedge, it’ll just end up growing back fast. When pruning conifer hedges (Thujas, Taxus, etc), do not wait too long between trims. How to Trim Hedge Trees. As you trim, you can use the string trick to make sure that the hedge is entirely even. Hedge trimming improves the aesthetics of the plants. 3. Sometimes, it’s easier to hire a professional for trimming hedges—it doesn’t have to be done very frequently, and when it’s done correctly, it has a dramatic impact on the hedge’s appearance. For example, the hedge should be narrower … The design allows all parts of the hedge to receive sunlight. It isn’t just about using clean, sharp tools, but you also need to use the right tools. You always need to make sure you know which variety of hedge you're dealing with before you even think about picking up the best hedge trimmer to tackle the job. If you hedge is against a fence line or your house you should cut the hedge at least six inches away from the structure.