Trimming Formal Hedges: How You Can Do It Right

Provided by: Jorbins.com

A formal hedge is thought of as a row of shrubs or evergreens creating a wall in a garden or along a property line that is not left to grow wild. Hedge trimming is a way to create and maintain this formal look throughout the year as well as to keep leaves very dense to block vision.

As you read this article you will learn how to shape your hedges as well as the various hedge trimmers you can use to get the job done.

When to Trim

Deciding on the best time for trimming hedges depends on the species. The most common species can be trimmed frequently to maintain appearance. As a general rule of thumb you should trim in the spring and early-mid summer. Since there are different species and weather conditions, it is recommended that you consult an expert to help identify the variety of your hedge and obtain trimming advice specific for your area.

Size and Shape

Since there are various functions of hedges you need to have an idea on how high or wide you want your hedge. A hedge used for privacy will want to be about five to six feet high. Smaller shorter hedges can be used as walls and backdrops to gardens or when privacy isn't a factor.

When trimming your hedge you want to maintain a shape that is wider on the base than it is on top. What this does is allow maximum sunlight to the lower parts of the hedge. The lower part of the hedge may die from a lack of sunlight if it is sheared narrower than the top. This means that you can create a flat top (almost square), half circle, rounded top, pyramid, or any other shape you can think of just as long as the base is wider than the top.

Trimming Guidelines

Many times a guideline is preferred to keep trimming straight, even, and level. All you have to do is set a string line to the desired height on a pole on each end of the hedge. This will give you a guide to keep the top level. Be careful that any shearing being done does not cut the string.

Another method that can be used is a wood "template" that fits the desired profile of the hedge. With these templates you lay over your hedge and trim until you match the profile on the wood template.

Usually maintenance trimming can be done by eye simply by trimming down to the base of new growth.

Trimmers and Shears

Hand shears - They are just that! Usually hand shears are good for lighter duty trimming and finishing work. It can get tedious of you have large rows of hedges especially if you find yourself trimming more than once per year.

Electric hedge trimmers - These handy hedge trimmers can shear a hedge very quickly cutting your work time significantly. They do come in various sizes so you can choose one that fits your hedge trimming needs. One of the best features you will want to have is 2 switch or a lock off feature to prevent accidental starts.

One drawback to these electic hedge trimmers is that they use a power cord where you must have a long enough extension to reach all parts of the hedge. Another drawback is keeping the cord away from the blade. There are trimmers models available that are battery operated and may be worth looking into.

Gasoline hedge trimmers - Similar to the electric hedge trimmer but uses a gas powered engine. With these trimmers you won't have to fight with a power cord. You are free to roam around as much as you wish. These trimmers can be a bit noisy but the power they have can cut through some of the toughest branches.

TIP: When purchasing a gas powere or electric hedge trimmer you need to keep weight in mind. If you have long rows of hedges the weight of your trimmer can tire you out and hurt your arms after a bit.

Trimmer Blades

Keep trimming blades sharp at all times. Blades that are not sharp will gnaw, mash, split, and tear the branches of your hedge. This is unhealthy for your hedges and may increase chances for disease.

When using electric or gasoline hedge trimmers you will have to buy replacement blades. It is wise to have at least one replacement blade on hand at all times. When you start to see tearing and mashing of hedge branches it is time to replace the blade.