How to prune or
trim a hedge
If you want a good
formal hedge, you'll need to make sure that it's well trimmed in
the first two or three years. You may have inherited an overgrown
hedge. Many of these can be brought back under control, but it will
take a few years. Here we show you the basics of good hedge care.
What You Need:
Sharp shears or electric hedge trimmer; secateurs; rake and wheelbarrow
for removing clippings; slow release fertiliser; garden line; canes
the same height as your hedge Optional: steps (taller, older hedges);
card or plywood for cutting template (for hedge shaping); long handled
secateurs or loppers; mulch, watering can or hose
.
Step 1
When developing a new hedge remember that most hedging plants have
an upright growth habit. You have to encourage them to send out
side shoots by trimming back their leaders - main shoot - and and
laterals - the secondary side shooting stems. The first spring after
planting a new hedge, cut back plants to about 40-45cm above ground
level in late spring. Apply slow-release fertiliser the length of
the hedge. If no rain is forecast, water the hedge. If using, apply
a thick layer of mulch (7.5cm) after watering, or when the ground
is moist. In late summer, cut back the shoots that are sticking
out - the laterals.
Step 2
The principles of shaping a hedge apply in all cases. Start as you
mean to go on. Trim hedge sides to a slight angle, known as a batter.
The bottom of your hedge should be fatter than the top. Good shapes
for hedge tops include flat topped A shape; gently rounded; or slightly
pointed. These all shed snow and shrug off strong winds. Both of
these can cause severe damage to hedges.
Step 3
Your hedge is best having a level top. Stretch a garden line between
two or more upright canes, whatever the height of your hedge. Cut
to this line. Keep blades of shears parallel to the line of the
hedge. Electric trimmer blades should be kept parallel to the hedge.
Use a wide sweeping action.
Step 4
To shape sides, either cut a template from card or plywood in the
shape of hedge you want to make. Put this over the hedge, after
you have cut the top level. Trim the hedge sides cutting to the
line of your template. Alternatively, trim the sides of your hedge,
shaping them by eye. Check this by standing at the end of the hedge
and looking along it, having made the first shaping cuts.
Step 5
Complete trimming the sides of your hedge. Move the template along
as you proceed. When you have reached the end of the hedge, remove
the template, lines of string and posts or canes. Trim up the ends
of the hedge if they are exposed. Informal hedges and hedges with
large evergreen leaves such as laurel (Prunus Laurocerasus) are
best trimmed and pruned with secateurs. This avoids damaging the
leaves, making them turn an unsightly brown.
Step 6
Remove clippings. Apply a slow-release fertiliser if you are using
one - hedges leach a lot of goodness from the surrounding soil.
If there is no rain, water the hedge. Cover moist soil with a 7.5cm
layer of mulch, such as garden compost.
Step 7
This deals with coping with an overgrown hedge. It is surprising
how easily a badly overgrown hedge can be brought back into shape.
Tackle overgrown deciduous hedges in winter, evergreen ones in mid
spring. When attempting drastic pruning, deal with one side of your
hedge at a time, spreading the process over two seasons. You should
also feed the hedge before pruning, as well as after, to encourage
healthy new growth. Cut one side of the hedge back to within about
10cm of the main trunk of the plants all the way along. On the other
side, cut back side shoots by about a third, shaping the hedge so
that it tapers towards the top. Repeat this process the following
season, reversing the side which is cut hard back.
Source: Greenfingers.com
