When you want to trim your hedges, you have the option of using either a hedge shear or a powered hedge trimmer. For a hedge that is still low in height, you will choose the shear. Additionally, it can be used for moderate lengths during trimming. However, with a powered hedge trimmer, you will not only save time but also exert less effort in the task at hand. Here are the right gestures for trimming your hedges, regardless of the tool used.
Follow safety guidelines
Among the good practices you should adopt for trimming your hedges, it is important to follow the safety instructions listed on this website. Among other things, you must ensure that there are no obstacles at the base of the hedge. Next, for your own safety, you should wear personal protective equipment. This means wearing thick gloves and safety glasses. Furthermore, when you need to work at certain heights, you should use a stable scaffold.
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Techniques to adopt for trimming your hedges
The first technique involves trimming the sides of the hedge and the second involves trimming the top of the hedge. For the sides of the hedge, your trimming should start from the bottom and finish at the top. This way, you will achieve better harmony and cut. For a perfect cut, your hedge should resemble a fruit. In other words, the base should be wider than the top. Additionally, to ensure that the cut is well done, you should position yourself perpendicular to the hedge. For the top of the hedge, you should trim along a straight horizontal line. For a successful cut, you should plant stakes and then connect them with perfectly horizontal wire. With a level, you can check this and cut what exceeds.
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Practice formative pruning
When you perform formative pruning, there will be a noticeable increase in the branching of your branches, and the overall shape will be balanced. Remember that this process takes place during the first three years of the hedge’s growth. Also, you should perform formative pruning in the spring following planting. When it comes to deciduous hedges, you will trim them when there is no risk of frost. This involves cutting the shrubs back to 20 cm from the ground during the first year. But for the following years, it is recommended to remove 30% of the growth. For the first year of conifer hedges, you will also cut the shrubs back to 20 cm from the ground.
On the other hand, for the following years, you will trim 50% of the growth, but be sure not to touch the main leader. After that, you can adjust them on either side to achieve a pyramidal shape.
Trim your hedges during the appropriate times
After performing formative pruning, you must respect the trimming periods. In other words, you should maintain your hedges frequently. This will help slow their growth and allow them to maintain a neat appearance. Trimming your hedges should be done at least 2 times a year during specific periods. For reference, you will do this in the spring, once the risk of frost has passed. You can also trim your hedges at the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. For deciduous trees, trimming is recommended during the months of September or even October.