Trimming or pruning hedges is so easy and simple if you do it the right way. Below are few steps to follow to prune your hedges.
Steps to prune hedges
- Start cutting near the bottom of the hedge and work your way toward the top. Shift the cutting bar at a slow and steady pace.
- Allow the cutting action of the blades to try do the work. Don’t attempt to cut too deeply into the hedge because you could possibly cut off too many branches. Instead, make it slow and steady, trimming off just a few inches at a time.
- It is important to trim the edges of the hedge at an angle so that it’s wider at bottom and slightly narrower at the top. That way, sunlight can reach the lower branches and the root, which helps the hedge grow green and healthy.
- To cut the hedge flat, hold the trimmer’s cutting bar firmly and slowly guide it left to right, then right to left. Hedge trimmers cut in both directions. Again, only trim off a touch at a time.
- After completing the first few trims, set the trimmer down on the bottom and use your hands or a leaf rake to tug out the severed branches and leaves. Stand back and examine the hedge. If necessary, make a couple of finishing passes to trim the hedge to its final shape.
If you would like to trim tall hedges, consider buying or renting an extended-reach garden tool. This tool is a typical trimmer that’s attached to an extended, adjustable shaft. It provides the simplest and safest trim to tall branches without having to climb on a ladder.
Why trim hedges?
Trimming hedges promotes growth, gets rid of any disease, remove any old branches and leaves. Unlike maintenance trimming, pruning isn’t done to slow down the growth of the hedge, but to actually promote growth. Other reasons gardeners prune their hedges is to remove diseased or pest-ridden branches.
Trimming is like a much-needed haircut, one that enhances the tree’s natural shape. Thinning out limbs and cutting back awkward branches is beneficial because it improves the tree’s appearance. Trimming is especially important for trees to boost the appeal of a property there are planted on.
When to prune hedges?
Late spring, early fall, or winter (when the hedges are fully dormant) have always been the best times for pruning hedges. It is not advisable to prune hedges during hot and dry weather. Always try to prune on a cloudy day to avoid excessive leaf burn.
Tools to trim hedges
Surprisingly, there are variety of hedge tools available on the market – and some of them have been around for many years. There are however three basic sorts of
hedge trimmers: gas-powered, corded electric, and battery-powered cordless. Each comes in various sizes, starting from about 16 to 24 inches, which is the length of the cutting bar. The type of trimmer to shop for depends on several factors, including the dimensions of the hedge, the situation of the hedge on the property, personal preference, and price.
How to maintain hedges?
To give your hedges some sunlight, make sure to hand-prune them before you trim.
The best time to prune your hedges is in the winter so that you don’t cut off the buds and stop new growth.
Hedges naturally grow out and up, but you should keep your hedge narrower at the top to ensure the lower branches continue to get sunlight.
A hedge normally needs 3 feet in diameter to grow. If you plant hedges too close to each other, they won’t have enough room – hence limiting
their growth.
What not to do when pruning hedges
Do not prune more than 1/3 of any plant at any time. If you do it will harm your hedges and they may not grow back. Keep the cutting down to a minimum.
Do not prune flowering shrubs or trees in mid or late fall. The fall is that time of the year when flowering plants start budding for next season and they tend to go into hibernation you don’t want to disturb that delicate process
