How to Trim Hedges the Right Way

Hedge Trimming Tips for Homeowners

FALL LAWN CARE | TREE CARE

Hedges are planted to delineate property lines or to fence off a certain area of your yard. Compared to other landscaping, hedges are low maintenance. They do, however, require regular trimming to keep them healthy and vibrant. We wanted to put together some best practices if you are wondering how to trim hedges yourself or looking for a few additional tips.

Homeowners can find it difficult to maintain their hedges themselves. How to trim hedges is a common question and even a common task many professional landscapers tackle throughout the year. The challenge lies in two basic tasks. The first is when to trim hedges and the second is how they should be trimmed correctly.

Hedge Trimming Basics

Hedge trimming does not have to be overwhelming. In fact, it isn’t. Basically, you are using either a non-powered cutting tool or a powered hedge trimmer to remove new and dead growth in your hedges. 

New hedges should be trimmed from early on to establish your desired shape. Trimming early helps train the hedge to grow a desired way but also helps to prevent uncontrolled and unhealthy young growth. Established hedges require regular trimming. If a hedge gets neglected, severely cutting it back is possible, however, not all species of hedges react well to drastic trimming. If you think you need to go down the road of trimming your hedges way back, it is best to contact a local landscaper. Without knowing how far back you can trim hedges, you run the risk of damaging or even killing them.

Best Time to Trim Hedges

Hedges typically have two growing seasons during the spring and summer. As such, trimming hedges after each growing period is ideal. Hedges can be trimmed more often, but they will grow out much faster when trimmed during the growing periods than if you wait until they are dormant. However, there are several exceptions. Standard evergreens such as boxwood or privet should be trimmed during the growing season. Also, conifers should not be trimmed after the middle of August.

Tips for Trimming Hedges - Timing

• Trim after the spring growing season or after flowering.
• Summer growing hedges are best trimmed during winter when they are dormant.
• Hedges can be trimmed anytime when they are not flowering in order to remove new, uncontrolled growth.
• Young hedges need more frequent attention (trimming) to train their growth and keep them healthy from an early age.

How to Trim Hedges

Correctly trimming your hedges extends their longevity and keeps them vibrant in your landscape. Most homeowners can easily trim their own hedges. For those that are larger, hard to access or another reasons, consult your local landscaper to help you out. Like other fall landscaping projects, sometimes it is best left for the professionals.

To start, consider the tools you will need to trim a hedge. First, you will need some type of cutting tool. Hand shears, power trimmer or pole trimmer may all be required depending on the type and size of hedges you have. Second on the list is safety gear. Things like eye protection, ear protection and gloves are all required to stay safe. Finally, you will need a means to clean up after trimming is complete. A leaf blower can work but often times a rake and a trash can help you with the brunt of the work.

Trimming Hedges - Basics

• Trim hedges from the bottom to the top. The bottom should be wider than the top. This shape will help to evenly distribute sunlight and keep the hedge growing evenly.
• Power trimmers allow you to trim hedges faster. They also help you cut more accurately keeping the desired shape you want. Be careful, however, to not over trim smaller hedges with power trimmers.
• Trim for the health of your hedges while considering basic shapes. Complex designs often get difficult and have many homeowners over trimming their hedges.

BONUS TIP: Sharp blades make for an easier time at trimming your hedges. No matter if you are using hand shears or a power trimmer, sharp blades make a world of difference. In addition, a benefit of sharp blades is they help for clean cuts keeping your hedges growing healthier.

How to trim hedges varies based on the species and size of hedges you have in your yard. With the goal of providing privacy or to block portions of your yard, trimming correctly is important. Generally, hedges should be trimmed twice a year, during non growing periods. While many homeowners find it challenging to trim hedges, it is not that difficult. Stick with these hedge trimming tips to get the most out of your hedges.