How To Trim Hedges

Hedges make beautiful green borders in your landscape, providing privacy and adding structure to your garden. However, maintaining these leafy barriers requires knowledge, skill, and regular attention.

Whether you’re dealing with formal boxwood hedges or informal flowering shrubs, proper care is needed to keep them healthy, shapely, and vibrant. In this guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of hedge maintenance, from essential tools to advanced techniques.

Why Hedge Maintenance Is Important

Maintaining your hedges prevents them from becoming overgrown, leading to bare patches, weak growth, and susceptibility to pests and diseases. Additionally, keeping your hedges at a manageable size makes them easier to care for in the long run.

Essential Tools for Hedge Care

Having the proper equipment makes maintaining hedges easier and ensures cleaner cuts, which support plant health. Let’s explore the must-have tools for hedge maintenance.

Hand Pruners and Shears

Bypass pruners are ideal for live branches up to about 3/4 inch in diameter, providing clean cuts that heal quickly. For larger branches, loppers offer more leverage and cutting power.

Hand shears, with their long, scissor-like blades, are perfect for shaping and trimming smaller hedges or fine-tuning after using power tools.

Power Trimmers

For larger hedges or extensive trimming jobs, we recommend using a power trimmer, which will save you time and effort. Electric or gas-powered hedge trimmers can quickly shape long stretches of hedges with consistent results. Electric models are generally lighter and quieter, while gas-powered trimmers offer more mobility for larger properties.

Safety Equipment

Safety should always be a priority when maintaining hedges. Essential safety equipment includes:

• Safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris
• Gloves to guard against thorns and blisters
• Ear protection when using power tools
• Sturdy, nonslip footwear
• Long sleeves and pants to protect your skin

Timing Is Everything: When To Trim Your Hedges

The timing of your pruning can significantly impact the health and appearance of your hedges. Let’s break down the best time of year to trim your hedges.

Seasonal Pruning Guide

The timing for pruning hedges depends on the specific season. Here are some general guidelines for seasonal pruning:

• Spring: Light pruning to shape and encourage new growth
• Early Summer: Main pruning session for most hedges
• Late Summer: Touch-up trimming to maintain shape
• Fall: Light pruning to tidy up before winter
• Winter: Major pruning for deciduous hedges when dormant

Ideally, hedges should be pruned in late winter when plants are dormant and haven’t produced buds—particularly if you’re cutting back drastically. “You don’t want them to break bud before you prune because you want the plant’s energy to go toward producing new growth where you want it,” advises Roger Cook, landscape contractor for This Old House.

Considerations for Flowering Hedges

Timing is especially important when trimming flowering hedges. Trim them at the wrong time of year, and you risk removing next year’s blooms. As a general rule:

• Spring-flowering hedges: Prune after flowering
• Summer-flowering hedges: Prune in late winter or early spring

“With flowering shrubs, the golden rule of pruning is to wait until the day after blooms turn brown—that way, the plant will have time to set buds for next year, whether it blooms on the current season’s wood or the next’s,” says Cook.

Proper Pruning Techniques for Healthy Hedges

The way you cut your hedges can significantly impact their growth pattern and overall health. Let’s explore some basic and advanced techniques to master.

The Three-Year Rule for Overgrown Hedges

If your hedge has become seriously overgrown, the three-year rule can help rejuvenate it without causing shock to the plant. Here’s how it works:

1. Year 1: Remove up to one-third of the thickest stems at the base of the plant.
2. Year 2: Remove another third of the oldest remaining stems.
3. Year 3: Remove the final third of old growth.

This gradual approach stimulates new growth while maintaining the hedge’s overall structure and health.

The Upside-Down V-Shaping Method

Proper shape is key to keeping your hedge healthy from top to bottom.“A sheared hedge should always be wider at the bottom and narrower at the top, whether that top is flat, pointed, or rounded,” Cook advises. This upside-down V shape allows sunlight to reach all parts of the hedge, preventing the lower branches from dying off due to a lack of light.

When shearing, start at the bottom and work your way up. This technique helps maintain the right shape and ensures even growth throughout the hedge. For a natural look, hand-prune some branches at various depths. Doing so creates a textured appearance and allows more light to reach the interior leaves.

The Advanced Method of Topiary

An advanced hedge maintenance technique, topiary, is the art of training plants into clearly defined shapes. While often associated with formal gardens, simple topiary shapes can add interest to any landscape.

Here are some tips for creating basic topiary forms:

1. Start with a dense, slow-growing plant like boxwood or yew
2. Use a wire frame as a guide for more complex shapes
3. Begin shaping when the plant is young for best results
4. Trim frequently during the growing season to maintain the shape
5. Be prepared for ongoing maintenance to keep the shape crisp

Remember, topiary is a long-term commitment requiring regular attention, but the results can be stunning.

Watering and Fertilizing Tips for Thriving Hedges

Proper watering and fertilization are crucial for maintaining healthy, vibrant hedges. These practices support strong growth, disease resistance, and overall plant vitality. Let’s explore how to optimize your watering and fertilizing routines.

Optimal Watering Practices

Hedges, like all plants, require consistent moisture to thrive. However, watering needs vary according to the species of your hedge, soil type, and climate. Here are some general watering tips:

• Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep-root growth
• Apply water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage
• Use mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce water evaporation
• Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth

During hot, dry periods, you may need to increase watering frequency. Always check the soil moisture before watering to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other issues.

Choosing the Right Fertilizer

Fertilizing your hedges provides them with nutrients that support healthy growth and vibrant foliage. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer is often the best choice for hedges.

Here are some of our experts’ favorite fertilization tips:

• Use a 10-10-10 or similar balanced fertilizer in early spring
• Apply fertilizer according to package instructions, typically once or twice a year
• Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive growth and weak stems
• Consider organic fertilizers for a more environmentally friendly approach

Common Hedge Problems and Solutions

Identifying and addressing issues early on is the best way to keep your hedges healthy and attractive. Here are some common problems and their solutions.

Dealing with Pests and Diseases

Hedges can be susceptible to various pests and diseases, including:

• Aphids
• Fungal diseases like powdery mildew
• Spider mites
• Scale insects

To combat these issues, follow the steps below:

1. Regularly inspect your hedges for signs of infestation or disease
2. Use insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils for pest control
3. Prune affected areas to improve air circulation
4. Apply fungicides as needed for fungal diseases
5. Maintain proper watering and fertilizing practices to boost plant health
6. Hire a pest control professional if issues become too severe for DIY solutions

Addressing Yellowing or Browning Foliage

Yellowing or browning foliage can be caused by various factors, including:

• Nutrient deficiencies
• Overwatering or underwatering
• Sunburn
• Winter damage

To address these issues:

1. Adjust watering practices as needed
2. Conduct a soil test and amend soil or fertilize accordingly
3. Provide shade for sun-sensitive plants
4. Protect hedges from winter damage with burlap wraps or anti-desiccant sprays

Selecting the Right Plants for Your Hedge

Determining which type of hedges are best for your home requires consideration of factors such as climate, soil type, desired height, and whether you want a formal or informal look. Let’s explore some popular options for different types of hedges.

Best Shrubs for Formal Hedges

Formal hedges require plants that tolerate frequent shearing and maintain a dense, uniform appearance. Some excellent choices include:

1. Boxwood (Buxus spp.): Classic choice for low to medium hedges
2. Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus): Deciduous hedge with good winter structure
3. Privet (Ligustrum spp.): Fast-growing deciduous or evergreen option
4. Yew (Taxus spp.): Versatile evergreen for various hedge heights

These plants naturally grow upright and tight, making them ideal for formal hedges. “Research the habit of any plant you want to hedge, then choose a variety that won’t overgrow your space,” says Cook. “Otherwise, you’ll be fighting an uphill battle trying to cut the hedge down to size. ”

Options for Informal and Flowering Hedges

Informal hedges offer a more natural look and often include flowering varieties for added interest. Remember that these flowering plants won’t provide the same level of protection that traditional hedges offer. Some popular choices include:

1. Golden Bell (Forsythia spp.): Bright yellow spring flowers
2. Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.): Large summer flowers, a variety of species available
3. Lilac (Syringa spp.): Fragrant spring blooms in various colors
4. Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus): Late summer blooms, tolerates pruning

Hedges vs. Privacy Screens: Understanding the Difference

While hedges and privacy screens are both effective at defining spaces and creating barriers, they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right option for your landscape needs.

Hedges are typically 6 to 8 feet high and comprise a tight-knit group of planted shrubs. They’re ideal for:

• Defining property lines
• Creating garden rooms
• Providing a backdrop for other plantings
• Offering some wind protection

Privacy screens, on the other hand, are usually taller (up to 30 feet) and wider than hedges. They often feature a mix of trees, shrubs, and perennials in a staggered arrangement. Privacy screens are best for:

• Blocking unwanted views
• Creating significant privacy
• Reducing noise
• Establishing a natural-looking barrier

As Cook advises, “Let a hedge be a hedge—an attractive shrub border that encloses your yard and unifies the landscape. If privacy’s what you’re after, start looking at big trees. ”

Winter Care for Your Hedges

Winter can be tough on hedges, especially in regions with harsh weather conditions. Proper winter care can protect your hedges from damage and ensure they emerge healthy in spring. Here are some key strategies for winter hedge maintenance.

Protecting Against Snow Damage

Heavy snow can cause branches to break, especially on evergreen hedges. To prevent snow damage:

1. Gently brush off heavy snow accumulation
2. Use stakes and burlap to support branches prone to bending
3. Avoid shaking frozen branches, as this can cause them to snap
4. Prune out any damaged branches promptly to prevent further issues

“Tall hedges benefit from being tied up for winter—just be sure to use rope or chain lock (plastic tree-guying material) rather than hose-covered wire, which can girdle the trunks if left on too long,” says Cook.

Winter Pruning Dos and Don’ts

Winter pruning can benefit many hedge species, but we recommend following the guidelines below.

Do:

• Prune deciduous hedges when dormant
• Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches
• Thin out dense growth to improve air circulation

Don’t:

• Prune spring-flowering shrubs in winter, as this will remove flower buds
• Prune during freezing temperatures, which can damage the plant
• Over-prune, as this can stress the plant and reduce its cold hardiness

Remember, “If you take off a plant’s buds, you’re cutting off spent energy, and it will take longer for the hedge to fill out,” cautions Cook. “Winter pruning should be done judiciously and with an understanding of your specific hedge species’ needs.”

Our Conclusion

From choosing the right plants and tools to mastering pruning techniques and addressing common problems, proper hedge care is an ongoing process that rewards your efforts with beautiful, functional plants.

Remember that each hedge is unique, and it’s important to tailor your maintenance approach to the specific needs of your plants and environment. By following the guidelines, you’ll be well-equipped to keep your hedges thriving year-round.