How to Deal with Overgrown Hedges: A Step-by-Step Approach
Hedges are a great addition to every garden, and if well-maintained, they can transform landscapes into a wonderful oasis of greenery. Like every other plant, the hedges and shrubs in your garden require constant care to grow healthy and tidy.
But hedge trimming is more than merely creating an aesthetic space. Dead or diseased branches can not only affect the health of the infected plant but also spread to nearby trees. That is why regular pruning and hedge trimming are necessary to promote healthy growth of your foliage.
Whether you lack prior experience in hedge trimming or simply want to know the best hedge-trimming practices, we have collated a step-by-step guide on how to trim hedges properly and when to do it.
When to Trim Hedges in Ireland?
Regularly trimming hedges encourages growth in young plants and controls the overgrowth of mature plants. It is used to shape the hedges for a neat and tidy appearance while removing dead or diseased parts. However, every plant is different, and when or how often to prune hedges depends on the plant species and its present condition.
As a general rule of thumb, late winter to early spring is the best time for hedge trimming. During this period, your shrubs are dormant with fewer leaves, so it’s best to prune them before the hedge buds. You may also consider trimming late in the winter to boost healthy growth in spring.
Additionally, the cold air and low humidity prevent pests and diseases from taking hold of the freshly cut areas.
Plant species with voracious growth need trimming maintenance during the summer for an aesthetic look. It is the best time to deal with overgrown or out-of-shape hedges.
Hedge Trimming Tools
Here are the necessary tools you need for hedge trimming:
- Leaf Blowers
- Pruning Loppers
- Curved Saw
- Hedge Trimmer
- Ladders
- Protective Gear
- Garbage Bags
The Hedge Trimming Process
Once you have the tools and equipment ready, it’s time to get down to the actual job. Here is the step-by-step guide on how to trim hedges correctly:
Step 1. Remove Loose Leaves
Use the leaf blower to remove loose or stuck leaves to get better visibility of the foliage and assess the condition of the branches.
Step 2. Prune the Hedges
Remove diseased, damaged, and dead branches. Inspect your plants beforehand to identify infected parts. This is important for the plant’s health as the disease or infection can spread to other parts and curtail light and air circulation.
Step 3. Trim the Sides
The tops of many plant species tend to grow outwards, inhibiting sunlight and visibility. Trim the sides and keep cutting wider as you reach the base. This allows sunlight to penetrate to the bottom leaves.
Clip newly grown stems at the tips, and then focus on the sides starting from the ground up. Work your way from one end to another, going back and forth. Lastly, move to the middle section of the plant and try to blend with the rest of the plant.
Step 4. Trim the Top
Trim the top of the plant in flat lines by holding your trimming blade at a 10-degree angle. Use a ladder if your hedge is tall and difficult to access.
Step 5. Remove the Trimmings
Once you are done clipping, remove all the branches from the top and use the leaf blower again to clear loose leaves. Make sure to dispose of all the waste as soon as possible to avoid pest infestation.
Step 6. Fertilise the Hedge
Now that you have successfully trimmed all hedges, use organic fertilisers to promote new, healthy growth.
Tips to Remember
- Keep your tools sharp and clean;
- Check for bird nests before trimming;
- Trim in the afternoon when the dew has evaporated and moisture is limited;
- Be careful during trimming and avoid cutting branches at the bottom, as they feed the stems on the top.
Call in the Experts
Hedges require constant trimming and maintenance to grow healthy and visually pleasing. The best time to prune and trim hedges is from late winter to early spring. If you lack the necessary tools or expertise, hire professional gardeners and tree surgeons who can do the job right the first time around.
At JB Property Maintenance, we have helped countless homeowners and commercial property owners with professionally curated services. Contact us today to speak to one of our specialist tree surgeons to maintain your yard to perfection.