Just like we all need a haircut regularly, plants also need trimming now and then. Hedge trimming, also known as pruning, is a great way to keep the hedges and shrubs in your garden in check and maintain an aesthetic landscape.
Regular trimming maintains plants to a manageable height, removes dead or diseased branches, improves light penetration, eliminates weeds, stimulates new fruit and flower growth, and maintains its health.
However, pruning requires a certain degree of skills and experience for efficiency. If you have not trimmed a hedge before, knowing when and how to do it is critical and challenging.
In this blog, we will provide tips on how to prune hedges and bushes like a pro.
When is the Right Time to Trim Hedges?
How often you should trim depends on the type of plant, its health, appearance, and growth rate.
General pruning, such as removing dead parts or diseased growth can be done anytime. Typically, the best time to prune summer and autumn plants is late winters when the coldest season is over. This prepares the plant to blossom during spring and summer and grow fruits and flowers.
Spring flowering plants should be pruned after the flowering or fruiting season ends. However, proceed with caution. Young shoots that grow after pruning may be damaged during winter when growth is dormant.
Denser hedges need more frequent trimming.
What Tools Do You Need for Hedge Trimming?
Investing in the right tools for the job is critical. Buying proper equipment will make it both easier and more efficient for you to trim hedges. Also, remember to keep your tools sharp and well-maintained. Here are the tools you need for hedge trimming:
- Secateurs
- Lopper
- Hedge Shears
- Pruning Saw
- Hedging Snips
- Pruner
- Hedge Trimmer
- Chainsaw (for larger bushes)
How to Trim Hedges: Step-by-step Guide
Properly trimming a hedge is essential for healthy and beautiful growth.
Step 1. Preparation
Once you have inspected your plants and determined trimming necessary, start preparing. Check the weather and avoid pruning in rain. Keep all tools sharp and ready, along with other equipment like boots, gloves, & safety goggles.
If you have not done this before, set strong lines to trim your hedges in a straight line. Set a sheet below each shrub to collect fallovers and minimise the hassle of cleaning up.
Step 2. Trim Dead & Diseased Branches
Dead and diseased parts of the plant should be removed first.
Cut all affected or dead branches to their base. This will prevent the disease from spreading further to other branches, help the plant absorb more nutrients, and encourage growth.
Step 3. Shape the Hedge
Once the diseased parts are removed, trim the overgrowing or overhanging branches. This requires fine pruning, so start slowly to ensure a smooth appearance.
If the hedge is tall, use a ladder and start trimming from the top and then the sides. Medium-sized hedges should be trimmed on their sides first in a vertical manner. Prune the top horizontally with your saw in the end.
Make sure you do not leave any stubs, as they encourage pest and disease infestation.
If your hedges are over 2m tall and you are not comfortable with a ladder, call in the professionals from JB Property Maintenance. We have the equipment and expertise to prune all types of shrubs.
Step 4. Dispose Of the Waste
Once pruning is complete, collect all the waste on the paper bags and dispose by composting or mulching. You should also feed your shrubs with fertilisers after pruning to provide nourishment and foster new growth.
Get Round-the-year Hedge Trimming & Yard Maintenance by JB Property Maintenance
Hedge trimming during the right season with the right tools and proper technique is vital to keep your landscape healthy, visually pleasing, and lush green. Knowing when to prune which type of plant will create a stunning yard that inspires awe from guests and envy from neighbours.
Or you can simply let go of the stress and hire JB Property Maintenance to achieve the best results. We will take care of your front and backyard while you can focus on the important stuff.
Whether you need a one-time job or long-term garden maintenance services, our tree surgeons are all equipped and ready to help.
Contact our friendly team today. We will be happy to maintain your garden to perfection.
