When to Trim a Hedge: A Helpful Guide

Hedges are a garden feature that benefits from well-timed and thorough maintenance. Knowing when to trim them ensures they remain healthy and attractive, whether used as a border for privacy or just for visual interest.

Read on to learn how often you should trim a hedge, the benefits of timely trimming, and common mistakes to avoid.

 

The benefits of timely hedge trimming

Enhanced visual appeal: Overgrown hedges are visually unappealing, block sunlight from the rest of your garden, and could also disturb neighbouring properties. Hedges are often one of the most central parts of outdoor spaces. A tidy hedge, therefore, can improve the overall look of a property and boost curb appeal.

Healthier plants: Thoughtfully timed trimming improves aesthetic appeal and helps the plant thrive. A healthier hedge provides better privacy and protection from the elements. An overgrown hedge will be denser and bigger, which can harm its overall health, especially when leaves at the base become obscured from sunlight.

 

The best times to trim hedges

Seasonal considerations are central to deciding when to trim a hedge. Late winter is generally recommended for hedge trimming. This time of year is conducive to efficient hedge maintenance for several reasons. Relatively fewer leaves make tidying up and identifying areas to trim easier. If your hedge is dormant, trimming puts less stress on the plant. For summer-flowering hedges especially, trimming before any buds break is important to allow the hedge to spend energy on producing new growth rather than healing.

Other factors, such as the frequency of trimming, depend on how mature the hedge is and what type of hedge it is. Hedges usually do not require trimming in the first year and can be shaped into the desired height and silhouette in the second year. Overgrown hedges should be gradually trimmed back to avoid causing shock to the plant. Green waste removal services can handle excess foliage during a trim.

The window for trimming hedges can also vary depending on the plant type. For example, Boxwood (Buxus) can be trimmed again in the late summer to maintain its shape. Trimming Port Wine Magnolias in early spring, as well as late winter, can encourage flower growth.

 

Common hedge trimming mistakes to avoid

Improper shaping: Hedges should be trimmed to be narrow at the top and wider at the base. Due to differences in sunlight exposure, the top of a hedge will naturally grow more than the bottom. This discrepancy means trimming a hedge flat will ultimately result in an uneven hedge biased to the top.

If a hedge grows too wide at its peak, the leaves near the base will receive less sunlight and change colour or potentially die. Trimming from the bottom is recommended as it makes adjusting for width easier as you go up the hedge.

Dry weather trimming: Homeowners often wonder, “Can I trim hedges in summer?” Doing so could damage any exposed foliage, especially on a particularly dry day. Watering your hedge in the evening before a trim during summer provides potential protection.

Trimming by eye: Whether trimming a regular hedge or a more complex shape, using a template or guide is recommended. This can be as simple as extending a thread between two poles across the section you’re trimming. Having someone at a distance to check your progress or periodically doing this yourself is useful to ensure a consistent trim.

Using the wrong or old equipment: Although you may have the tools necessary for a level trim, the quality of the tools also plays a role in how your hedge will look. If your equipment hasn’t been used for an extended period, it may have rusted or require sharpening. Whether using a manual pair of shears or a battery-powered one, the quality of the equipment could impact the look of the hedge or impede your progress.

Neglecting safety equipment: Like all outdoor maintenance, trimming hedges has potential hazards. To protect yourself, wear safety glasses, gardening gloves, long sleeves, covered shoes, and ear protection from prolonged power tool usage.

 

Enjoy a professionally maintained hedge with Express Lawnmowing

Finding the time to cut your hedge to the standard you want can be challenging, especially if it has overgrown. Discarding leftover leaves and branches is also inconvenient, and you may not have the equipment needed for a thorough trim.

With the help of experienced hedge-trimming services, you can spend more time enjoying your garden and less time maintaining it. Our operators at Express Lawnmowing prioritise your needs and work around your schedule. Contact us today for professional hedge-cutting services; we’ll provide a free, no-obligation quote.