Maintaining a well-manicured hedge requires the right tools, knowledge, and techniques to ensure healthy and attractive growth. Whether you’re tackling new or mature hedges, proper pruning promotes thicker foliage and keeps the plant in top shape.
Hedge trimming services offer professional expertise in shaping and maintaining hedges, ensuring the best results while saving you time and effort.
Effective hedge trimming not only enhances curb appeal but also encourages robust growth. Professionals understand the nuances of timing, tools, and techniques to maximise plant health and longevity.
Choosing the right tools and knowing when and how to trim the hedges are crucial for achieving a neat, orderly appearance. From manual shears to advanced trimmers, there are various methods available, all of which help maintain both the aesthetics and structural integrity of hedges.
So, take this addition to our first hedging blog from the expert hedge-trimming services at Pro Gardeners.
Hedging Tools: Commonly Used Equipment And A Brief Buying Guide
To achieve perfectly trimmed hedges, you will need strong and durable equipment. Depending on the size of the hedges in your garden, you can invest in hand shears, pruning saws, or a hedge trimmer. The hedge trimmer may be powered by electricity, battery, or petrol.
● Hand shears
If the hedges are small in size, you can easily use hand shears. There are two basic types of hand shears: scissor action shears and anvil cut shears.
Scissor action shears can be identified by one thin blade sliding over another thicker blade while anvil-cut shears are distinguished by one sharp blade sliding over a flat blade.
How to buy: Check the weight of the shears and if it is suited for left-handed or right-handed users. Look for high-quality products and pick out one with an ergonomic handle.
● Pruning saws
Pruning saws are useful for trimming small and medium-sized branches. Pruning saws also get through larger branches that a hedge trimmer may be unable to cut down.
How to buy: Make a choice between a folding or a fixed blade saw. The size of the branches that you plan on taking down also matters. Ask if the blade is replaceable.
● Hedge Trimmers
Hedge trimmers save you time as they get the pruning job done fast. These come with a lot of inbuilt safety features, so don’t worry if you are a first-timer trying to make use of it.
How to buy: The weight of the trimmer and blade length are basic considerations. Vertical edging is an important factor to consider as well. Keep an eye out for safety features. Battery-powered hedge trimmers are more suitable and useful.
How To Prune Hedges: A 6-Step Process
Before you set out to prune the hedges in your garden, go through these 6 steps that may act as a guide for you.
Step 1:
The first step is to assess the overgrown hedge. Try to remove all the new growth that has occurred in the past year. The most basic hedge shape is a cuboid, so try to get the lines as straight as possible.
Step 2:
Lay down some material at the base to pick up the clippings. Also, remove all obstacles around the hedge and choose the equipment you plan on using.
Step 3:
Start trimming the sides first. Your aim is to create a tapered hedge that is thicker on the bottom and thinner on the top. Keep the blades parallel to the hedge.
Step 4:
To cut the top, tie a piece of string along the length of the hedge and begin to trim the hedge.
Step 5:
Pause and check your progress. As you are trimming, pause and see if your lines are straight.
Step 6:
It’s time to clear away the clippings and remove them. Compost them or call in a leaf removal service.
If you are not a pro at trimming hedges and don’t want to put in the effort, reach out to us for hedge-trimming services.
Hedging Rules: Explore The Dos And Don’ts
- Remove Thickest Branches First: Start by cutting off the thickest branches to promote better growth.
- Evergreens Pruning: Trim larger stems first. Narrow-leaved evergreens need early pruning, while broad-leaved ones require minimal care.
- Manual Shears for Thick Branches: Use manual shears for thick branches before finishing with a hedge trimmer.
- Start From Bottom Up: Trim hedges from the bottom and work your way up.
- Ideal Timing: Prune mid-morning or late afternoon when moisture levels are lower.
- Trim Regularly: Twice a year pruning ensures easier cuts and healthier growth.
- Safety First: Always use both hands on your trimmer and wear protective gear such as gloves, glasses, and earplugs.
- Limit Each Trim: Remove only 20% per session or 30% per season.
- Sharp Tools: Keep hedge trimmers sharp, maintaining blades every 50 hours of use.
- Season: Winter’s the best time to prune or trim hedges.
Wrapping Up
Achieving beautifully sculpted hedges can significantly enhance the overall look of your garden. Whether you’re handling thick branches or more delicate leaves, using the right tools and techniques ensures your hedges maintain their uniform, neat appearance.
Powered hedge trimmers are an efficient way to speed up the process and deliver a professional finish, making the task more manageable and effective.
For those seeking top-notch results without the hassle, our hedge trimming services offer expert knowledge and specialised equipment to get the perfect shape and growth for your hedges every time. Reach out to Pro Gardeners today.