Tricks & tips for pruning hedges & hedge plants

Many people find it hard to keep their hedge in shape.    But, as we have said in the last article, one of the tricks to keep your hedge in shape is to prune it regularly.   Once you have established the in initial shape of your hedge, you then just regularly prune off the excess growth that has developed.   How often should you prune your hedge ?   This depends on the variety of plant you are using.   However during the growing season you may have to prune your hedge anything from once a month to once every three months depending on the variety of plant you are using.   If you have a large hedge or one which is difficult to prune it may be worth having a professional prune it into shape for you.    Once this has been done then maintain this shape. 

 

To create a nice level cut on your hedge it can be a bit tricky but there are a few things you can do to create a straight, level hedge.    A good hedge pruning person can prune a hedge with his or her eye,  sighting the line to cut and then shaping.   However, you can do this yourself by using a string line.     Place a stake at each end of the hedge, run a string line from one stake to the other at the height you want.   If the distance is long then you may like to place some extra stakes along the length of the hedge (once you have the line).    You can then also prune off the side of your hedge at the same time, as the stakes on the side of the hedge will also act as a guide for your pruning.  

 

There are a number of different types of tools suitable for pruning hedges.   1. The old hedge manual hedge trimmers; although this is labour intensive, many professionals still like to use manual pruners.   Manual hedge trimmers tend to take a small amount of trimming each time. This allows the user to chip away at the hedge, till the right shape is acquired.   2. Petrol power hedge trimmers; in recent years these machines have become more available.   They are a must have tool if you have a large, fast growing hedge with big stems.   These machines are fantastic, however they can be heavy and you need some experience to use them as they can cut foliage very quickly.    3. Plug in electric hedge trimmers; these are also very good although not as powerful as the Petrol trimmers.   They have the advantage of being light to use, but not suited to cutting through heavy stems.   One disadvantage of using a plug in type trimmer is the power cord, many people have cut through the cord when working, which is a major problem (especially around pool areas).    4. Rechargeable hedge trimmers; these have been around a few years and are improving, but not suited to large hedges.   They are however excellent for small hedges, especially if you can get one with a long charge.     The more expensive ones do seem to work better, the cheaper ones do not seem to keep their charge for long, generally. 

 

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