Hedge Pruning Tips
With years of experience as garden landscapers and complimentary specialists,
we have a thorough knowledge of weeding, pruning, hedge
cutting, timber decking, paths and patios, turfing and
many more.
So whatever your needs please do not hesitate to contact us for a free appraisal of your situation or continue reading to see our tips
imas Aquatic & Garden Services
17 Kingsway, Stotfold, Hertfordshire SG5 4EL
Tel: 01462 734 797
Fax: 01462 733 353
Email: info@imas-services.co.uk
Hedges are of two general classifications:
1. Shrubs or trees planted close together in a row to form a wind-break or
high screen. These should be allowed to retain their natural form and characteristics.
Pruning is confined to heading back for density and removal of broken diseased
or dead branches.
2. Formal or "wall of green" type of hedges, such as Privet, Boxwood
and Japanese Barberry that take close, persistent pruning and shearing.
New Hedges - In planting a hedge, the plants are usually set out close together
in two staggered rows. It is a mistake to allow the plants to reach the desired
height before pruning.
With newly planted hedges, begin shearing as soon as they start growing noticeably.
Even if you want a tall hedge, don’t wait until it gets high to start
training. Several trimmings of small amounts of new growth, each time a little
higher will allow it to grow larger gradually while becoming a bushier, tighter
hedge.
Mature hedges should be trimmed when they are growing the fastest. When to
start and how frequently varies by the type of hedge.
Needle Evergreens - like hemlock, grow early in the season and usually need
one spring trimming after new growth.
Broadleaf Evergreens - like boxwood, grow throughout the season and may need
to be trimmed several times as new growth emerges.
Deciduous Hedge Plants - like privet, grow all season and will need to be
trimmed periodically throughout the summer.
The best guideline for how frequently
to trim is simply to do it whenever the hedges look like they need it. The
hedge will be thicker and better looking if you cut small amounts more frequently.
The intended use of the hedge determines the shape for trimming. If you are
shearing the top flat, be careful to taper the sides in slightly at the top.
Hedges that are wider at the top look top heavy and shade the lower branches
causing them to thin and die.
For a level, even hedge top use a guide string stretched between stakes the
length of the hedge, just below the height you want the hedge. Trim the hedge
just above this guideline. Then trim the sides starting at the bottom and sweeping
up. Be sure to taper in at the top for the fullest, most uniform growth.
Old Hedges - To rejuvenate an old neglected and "leggy" hedge,
cut back to a few inches above the ground in the early spring and then prune
like a new planting. This works best with deciduous hedges but is also possible
with some evergreen hedges if you leave a few branches with leaves on the plant. |
