Hedges are a brilliant way to add beauty, structure and privacy to your North Shore property. But when it comes to hedge trimming, you may be wondering where to start.

In this blog post, we will talk about our region’s climate, some popular hedge options and some tips and tricks for eco-friendly practices. 

North Shore Climate and Your Hedges

Our warm, wet summers and cool, dry winters lend themselves to a far wider variety of hedge plants than other regions. Popular choices include Lilly pillies, which love humidity, and Westringia fruticosa (also known as Coastal Rosemary), with its vibrant green colour and good tolerance for dry conditions. 

Two other fantastic options for North Shore hedges are Viburnums and Pittosporum tenuifolium (Australian Laurel). Viburnum is evergreen, with beautiful white flowers in spring and glossy leaves. Not only does it look great, but the flowers’ fragrance is wonderful.

Australian Laurel has dark green, glossy leaves and does well along the coast, making it perfect for North Shore gardens near the beach. 

Hedge Trimming Techniques for Different Outcomes

• Trimming for privacy: Planting hedge plants close together can help create a barrier to noise and nosy neighbours. The secret here is to aim for a broader base than the top to encourage bushy growth from the bottom up. 
• A haven for local habitat: North Shore has abundant birdlife, bees and butterflies. To encourage them to make your hedge their home, opt for flowering hedges for nectar lovers or with berries and seeds that will attract your feathered friends. Avoid heavy trimming during the nesting season (spring and early summer) to minimise disturbance to their home.
• Eco-friendly practices: For eco-friendly hedge care, water deeply but infrequently. Use your trimmings for mulch to retain moisture and nutrients in the soil. Avoid pesticides that could harm bees, butterflies, ladybugs and other beneficial insects in your yard. 
• Get fancy with espalier: To add some interest to your garden, try your hand at the art of espalier. This involves training hedges into flat patterns and shapes along walls or fences using wires and ties. Lilly pillies are an excellent choice for this. 

Contact HortCulture to find out more about our expert hedge trimming service. Our skilled landscapers will carefully trim your hedges to your desired shape and design, ensuring they complement your garden’s overall style.