Garden with finely trimmed hedges and stone archway

Tips for Hedge Trimming

At Bronzeleaf Tree Surgeons, we are experts in everything to do with hedges and trees. We are more than just a local hedge trimming service, our experts can provide advice to you on how to properly care and maintain your hedges.

If you require assistance on trimming your hedges, be sure to contact us at Bronzeleaf, we would be happy to support you with our local hedge trimming service to ensure your hedge looks beautiful for years to come!

Garden with finely trimmed hedges and stone archway
Learn How to Care For Your Hedges

When to Trim Your Hedge

Every hedge is different and requires care at various times throughout the year. However, as a general rule of thumb, our local hedge trimming service follow the following guidelines.

New hedges require formative pruning for their first couple of years after planting. Formative pruning is usually carried out in winter or early spring. This involves trimming the hedge to its desired shape and size, encouraging it to grow in the right direction.

Following this, maintenance trimming is required to ensure your hedge retains its beautiful appearance. Maintenance trimming is usually carried out in late spring or early summer. It involves trimming the hedge back to its desired shape and size. Any overgrowth or dead branches will be removed, and the hedge will be tidied up. Maintenance trimming is generally carried out between spring and summer when the hedge likely sees the most growth. Timing of pruning should take into account the potential for nesting birds and you should wait until after nesting season. Birds are sensitive to changes in their environment and may abandon their nest if there is too much activity. Take care to check that birds are not nesting in your hedges prior to trimming them.

 

Hedge Trimming Techniques

If you’re trimming a hedge for the first time, it’s a good idea to start with a small area and work your way up. This will help you get used to the equipment and the techniques involved. Hand-held hedge shears are fine for smaller hedges, but for large hedges you’ll probably find it easier to use an electric or petrol hedge trimmer. When using an electric hedge trimmer, always make sure that the power cord is out of the way and that you’re not standing in water. Additionally, wear goggles to prevent flying debris hitting your eyes. If you’re using a petrol hedge trimmer, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and always wear safety goggles.

Alternatively, contact us for our local hedge trimming service. Our experts can cut your hedge to the size you desire, without you having to risk hurting yourself or ruining the hedge!

 

Formal Hedges

When trimming a formal hedge, it’s important to keep in mind that the overall shape should be slightly tapered. The top of the hedge should not be wider than the base. Additionally, light should be able to reach the bottom of the hedge. If you’re not sure how to create this effect, it’s best to leave it to a professional. Contact us for our local hedge trimming service, or follow the tips below:

  • Cut Straight – Use a tight horizontal string tied between two stout canes to act as a guide to cut the top of the hedge level. Canes or stakes pushed into the ground help with vertical lines
  • Flat Top – When using shears, ensure that the top of the hedge is cut level and flat by keeping the blades of the shears parallel to the line of the hedge
  • Hedge Trimmers – When using a hedge trimmer, keep the blade parallel to the hedge and use a wide, sweeping action working from the bottom of the hedge upwards, so that the cut foliage falls away

 

Informal Hedges

In general, when pruning informal hedges, remove misplaced shoots and cut back the hedge to its required size. Make sure to cut back to where there is healthy growth, and not just to the old wood.

Prune informal hedges where you want flowers to grow only once at the correct time of year to encourage flowering the following year. For most hedges, this will be in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Pruning at the wrong time of year could remove the growth that will flower next year. Make sure to prune your hedge only once a year, during the correct season. This ensures that flowers will grow in following years.

 

Can We Help You?

If you are not confident to trim your own hedges, do not hesitate to contact us about our local hedge trimming service. At Bronzeleaf, our tree surgeons are experts in hedge trimming. We can provide you with advice and various services to make sure your hedge looks beautiful!

To learn more about our local hedge trimming services, as well as other services, including tree pruning or felling, explore our website, or contact our team today!

Article: Phoenix Marketing

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