Hedges are an attractive and valuable addition to any garden. With proper garden maintenance, they provide structure, privacy and a wonderful touch of greenery to beautify your outdoor space. 

However, if left to their own devices, they can become scraggly, overgrown and unsightly. They can be unsafe when left to grow across pathways or interfere with overhead electrical, telephone or fibre lines. 

Therefore, trimming is required to keep hedges looking their best. Here are our top hedge trimming tips to help you maintain healthy and attractive hedges all year around. 

When To Trim Your Hedges

The timing of trimming can impact the health and appearance of your hedges. The best time to prune your hedges is late winter or early spring before new buds develop. This is particularly true when you are planning a major trim. Your hedge has the best chance to recover during the vigorous growth season. 

 What Tools To Use

Tools such as shears, loppers, saws and electric hedge trimmers are all useful. Sharp tools are essential for a clean cut and will make the job easier. Not using the proper tools can affect your hedges in the following ways:

• Dull blades tear and crush the plant tissue, causing stress and making it more susceptible to disease and insect infestations. Clean cuts heal faster, and the hedge will recover faster. 
• Using tools that are not sharp can leave you with an unsightly plant, detracting from the overall appearance of your outdoor space.

To Shape or Not To Shape

We have all seen hedges shaped into balls, cones, squares, or even more exotic options like animals. The opposite of this would be an entirely more natural look, as if the hedge had just grown out into that shape on its own.

Either way, planning the desired form before you trimming is essential. Consider the position of the main stems and plot your finished result before you start snipping.

Practical Tips

Here are some practical tips to get you started:

• Start slowly: It is better to trim a little at a time than to cut too much all at once. And you will have more control over the final outcome.
• Work from the bottom up: Start low and work your way to the top to ensure an even result that is not top-heavy or misshaped. 
• Watch for gaps: As you remove sections, look for gaps that might develop. Occasionally, take a step back to view what you have achieved before cutting further.

If this all sounds daunting, give us a call. Our hedge trimming experts are standing by with all the correct tools and expert advice to ensure your hedges are beautiful and healthy year-round.