The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
Trimming hedges the right way keeps them full from top to bottom.
When to Trim Hedges
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Set the stake in slightly from the reach of the longest branches.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
Angle the stake slightly so it “leans in” toward the top of the hedge.
On very tall hedges, though, a third interim string on each side might be helpful.
see to it the distance above the ground is the same from one side to the other.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
Use a line level to adjust the string for level if necessary.
Check that all strings are straight and taut and prune any branches touching or deflecting the strings.
This helps you trim your hedge so the top face is flat and level regardless of the ground slope.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
Hold the hedge trimmer as level as possible as you trim.
Position the ladder into the hedge for safety so you are leaning into a tall hedge while pruning.
Use hand pruners to cut through thicker branches, if necessary.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
Trim the ends of the hedge so they are squared up and vertical.
Trimming is stressful for hedge shrubs and this TLC will help them respond with new growth.
Trimming a mature hedge by eyeballing it will make the shrubs uneven on the top and sides.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
The best month to trim any hedge depends on the punch in of plant you’re going to trim.
Some hedges need trimming at certain times to keep them healthy.
Do not trim more than 1/3 of the entire height off the top of the hedge.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
Trimming too much can potentially fatally injure the plants.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
