Trimming a mature hedge requires fairly simple tools. This will ensure that you trim your hedge so the top face is flat and level regardless of the ground slope. Keep your cuts as clean as possible to help the branches grow evenly and strong. If you are insistent about the look of a formal hedge, you might want to repeat this trimming on a monthly basis, as appropriate for the plant species. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. All hedge shears can be shipped to you at home. You can usually get by with four guide strings—one at the top and one at the bottom of each side of the hedge. To keep these big boys in check, pruning this tree two times a year is recommended, ideally in late Spring and late Summer. What is the best rated hedge shears product? Place the template on the hedge and cut following the line of the template, moving it along as you proceed With cuts as perfect as those you would expect from a pair of scissors, you can really polish your landscaping using these shears. For this reason, and since they are straight, they create long, straight edges on your plant as they cut. You can use a line level to adjust the string for level, if necessary. Electric shears have a trigger to engage the blades. ", Step 2: Cut the shrub or hedge directly over the string or ribbon, cutting only as far back as the string position. Good quality pruning tools make a difference when pruning trees and shrubs. Formative pruning: In winter, just after planting, and for the first two years after planting ; Maintenance pruning: Each summer Leave the bottom part of your hedge wider than the top. When to Prune Bushes, Shrubs & Hedges. Get the Right Pruning Tools and Equipment. The first step is choosing the right types of hedge trimmers to fit your needs. The amount of lean is based on expected sun exposure: On the side that will face direct sun, make the lean relatively slight; on the shady side, make the lean more pronounced. This is the easiest way to get a crisp line on your hedge. Trim the Top of the Hedge . However in general, these are the optimum timings for pruning hedges: Deciduous hedges. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. You need to consider the size of the branches and the … Shop The Home Depot for trimmers, pruning tools and everything you need to get your hedges in shape. How to Choose a Trimmer Protective eyewearis a must, as you can heal scratches on your arms a lot more effectively than those on your eyes! Newly planted shrubs require a different strategy for the first year or two, until the shrubs reach a more mature stage. Setting up guidelines for trimming can be more complicated than it sounds, since an untrimmed hedge is oversized, making it difficult to run guide strings without the unruly branches getting in the way. Clear enough space for sunlight and air to pass through and stimulate healthy growth. The best rated hedge shears product is the Professional 9 in. If the ground is level, the string should also be level; sloped ground will require a sloped string. Since the lower branches don't receive as much sunlight, they die more quickly. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Yes, hedge shears can be returned and have a 180-Day return period. to an arch), cut a template of the shape required from cardboard or plywood. To ensure uniformity from end to end, measure up from the lower string, and position the upper string at the same distance from the ground at each end. Timing of pruning should take into account the potential for nesting birds (see 'Problems' section below). How to Trim Hedges Trimming hedges doesn't need to be time-consuming. The choice is entirely up to you. 5 Use hand pruners to thin stems. Start by trimming the top face of the hedge to create a plane that is flush with the top guide strings. Here are a few tips on how to trim bushes like a pro: Knowing how to trim bushes will save you time, money and increase the curb appeal of your home. Summer-flowering shrubs should be trimmed in the late winter or early in the spring before active new growth is underway. Generally, a mild feeding of compost or slow-release fertilizer is most appropriate. Attach a long string from one stake to the other, near the lowest branches on the shrubs. Safety Equipment Safety should always come first, so don’t even think about putting a blade anywhere near a bush unless you’ve got goggles and gloves! 1. Each branch or stem is cut individually, with cuts carefully placed based on bud growth. Angle the stake slightly so it "leans in" toward the top of the hedge. Step 4: Thinning This method reduces the bulk of a plant with minimal regrowth: Each cut removes an entire stem or branch, either back to its point of origin on the main stem or to the point where it joins another branch. Pruning bushes, shrubs and hedges all depends on the type of … Finally, trim the ends of the hedge. They can frame the grounds of your home and add a decorative border to your yard. 4. DO Keep your shears sharp and clean.. DON’T Clip evergreen hedges when they are dry, so during the summer water the hedge the evening before a trim.. DON’T Be tempted to cut straight lines ‘by eye’; some kind of hedge clipping guide is needed. These shears are user-friendly and come in a range of sizes. What are the shipping options for hedge shears? At the point where your hedgerow is full-bodied and beginning to assume the inverted vase shape, you can switch to a more precise trimming technique to create a classic hedge with a flat top and sides. When you trim your hedges, remove one third to two thirds of the length of the current year’s growth. 1 Use loppers to remove one-third of the older stems, so sunlight can penetrate the hedge's interior. Often, the ends are simply squared up to be vertical, but you can also angle them inward in the same fashion as was used on the sides of the hedge. Aim to keep the tree under 2m in height for your own best benefit, or if you have the space and want some dominant hedging for your estate, keep it to 3m tops, lest you lose your grip with this magnificent beast. Keeping tall or extra-wide hedges in trim, a long-reach hedge trimmer ... How to maintain and trim your hedge. Trim your hedges. Use once, then bring it back - no maintenance required. You can cut these areas, but make sure you cut those that are close to the main stems. Since hedges are usually intended to provide privacy, it is important that the shrubs be as full as possible from top to bottom. Medium hedges. Prune in the winter. If you cut near the top of the hedge, it’ll just end up growing back fast. Okatsune Precision Hedge Shears. We'll take you to the exact aisle and bay. Formal Shrub Trimming Step 1: Plan Straight Lines © 2000-2020 Home Depot Product Authority, LLC. Dull blades can damage branches, creating tears that lead to … Once the strings are installed, use a hand pruner to remove any branches that are deflecting the strings. ", Step 4: Aim for every 6-8 weeks, at minimum, during the warmer months and reduce frequently as the weather cools. Essentially, the goal is to cut channels through the shrubs so that guide strings can stretch out straight and taut and provide an accurate reference. This early style of pruning can be kept up for one to two years, depending on the shrub species. Pruning saws are great for making sharp cuts through thicker branches. Snip overgrown branches and limbs inside each bush. This guide will provide tips on how to prune shrubs and instructions on how to trim hedges. Using Japanese Okatsune shears specially made for trimming hedges, Pasang is able to prune the hornbeams so they are nice and flat. Don't worry too much if there are indentations and thin spots in the hedge. The proper time to trim a hedge varies, depending on its growth rate and the species of shrub. Video of the Day Volume 0% David Beaulieu is a garden writer with nearly 20 years experience writing about landscaping and over 10 years experience working in nurseries. Pruning is always done by hand (so put away that electric hedge trimmer!). Shear the interior and other obvious problem areas first, then use a power trimmer to refine the shape. Snip overgrown branches and limbs inside each bush. Repeat the process to set the other pair of stakes and strings on the other side of the hedge. Non-flowering and evergreen hedges should only be trimmed as needed, but it's important to reshape them before they become overgrown to prevent weed growth. Check once more to make sure all strings are straight and taut, and, if necessary, prune away any branches that are touching or deflecting the strings. With such long blades, hedge shears are designed to cut a much larger area with each stroke than any other pruning tool (unless you consider a machete a pruning tool). Repeat the process to set an upper guide string marking where you want the upper edge of the hedge to fall. When to prune hedges. Fertilize your freshly pruned hedges to encourage new, healthy growth. Slowly run the power trimmer along each side of the bush, little by little. I prefer this way of trimming because the cuts are very clean and smooth when done by hand. At this stage, it is not important to create perfectly flat sides by using stakes and string as a guide. The goal is to make sure the strings are straight and taut from end to end. When trimming hedges with electric or battery-operated shears, it’s important to maintain an even flow when you cut. When buying tools, usually you get what you pay for, so cheaper tools....usually are! The most commonly-used tools are pruning shears (also called secateurs or hand pruners), loppers, and pruning saws. Take frequent breaks to step back and assess the shape. The tool of choice here is a pair of hand pruners, or even your fingertips. Before pruning, disinfect shears in a solution of one part bleach and nine parts water, because diseases can be an issue regardless of the pruning time. Whether you have a small set of bushes or a larger column of shrubs, trimming them regularly is important for a well-manicured lawn. To cut straight lines, you can use your house, siding or other objects as a guide. If you are sensitive to pollen or landscaping debris, make sure to wear a. For flat cuts across the top, hold the power trimmer completely horizontal to ensure a uniform shape. Tip: See our hedge trimmers buying guide for a more detailed explanation of the options available to you. Shear the hedge in shallow layers to make sure you don’t accidentally expose bald spots in some of the shrubs. 4 Continue cutting older stems, but leave new growth. Cedars will grow from 1 to 3 feet (30-90 cm) a year, so you will want to stay on top of the trimming duties before growth gets out of hand. DON’T Forget to Maintain Your Tools. When you've finished trimming along the top, examine your work. This is best done with strings attached to wooden stakes driven into the ground at the ends of the hedge row. After ​planting a hedge with boxwood or another shrub species, pinch back all new growth during the first year, which will induce low branching. Goggles prevent all manner of debris from landing in your eyes, and there are a wide range of styles available depending on your budget and fashion sense. Do not use dull handheld trimming tools. Be very careful if you are pruning a tall hedge that requires the use of a stepladder. All Rights Reserved. Ideally, hedges should be pruned in late winter, when plants are dormant and … Make sure to prune the base near the roots as well. 3. Corded and cordless electric varieties are best suited for small to medium-sized hedges, while gas trimmers are designed to accommodate a wider surface area. Follow these simple steps on how to trim hedges and how to prune shrubs: Shear the interior and other obvious problem areas first, then use a power trimmer to refine the shape. According to Morrell, these German-made Berger hedge shears are the only model used to trim and shape the many hedges and bushes on the NYBG’s property. Hold the hedge trimmer as level as possible as you trim. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board. Identify … What to Use to Trim Hedges. Whether it’s a standalone bush or a row of shrubs creating a hedge, shaping is an additional step in the pruning process. The Okatsune hedge shears are recommended for you to check … Tall hedges. If necessary, use hand pruners to cut through thicker branches. Spring flowering shrubs should be cut after they bloom and summer ones should be cut in spring or winter. Hedge shears or trimmers are typically used for formal hedges, while simple bypass pruners are suitable for any type of hedge. For large limbs, a bucksaw can be used. Step 2: Use a Hedge Trimmer Hold a long carpenter's level across the hedge, just touching the top strings, and adjust the strings if necessary so that they are level side-to-side. Generally speaking, a non-flowering hedge should be trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks during the growing season, and less frequently as the weather cools. In this first year, just "eyeball" the trimming pattern as you pinch back all new growth. Some homeowners prefer the relaxing peace and quiet offered by manual shears, while other prefer to get the work done quickly with power tools. Avoid cutting below the guideline to keep your leveling job even. Need Help? For more precise shaping, you will also need the proper handheld pruning tools. The best way to deal with this is by using hand pruners to cut away the offending branches so that the guide strings can assume a straight line from one end of the hedge to the other. Start pruning at the bottom of the hedge and work your way up so that cut branches and leaves at the top can freely fall to the ground. Before using shears to trim your hedges, you need to first get rid of any overgrowth that may have resulted to the thickening of the area outside your hedge. This requires a trimming strategy in which the sides of the hedge are pruned at an outward-flaring angle, so that the top of the hedgerow is narrower than the bottom. Follow these simple steps on how to trim hedges and how to prune shrubs: When it comes to the art of trimming hedges, there are a few tricks for making them look great. Pruning. Drive a stake into the ground at one end corner of the hedge, using a hammer or mallet, The stake location should mark the spot where you want the bottom end corner of the hedge to fall. Related content: Watch our video guide to the basic pruning cuts. Get into the Action. By using The Spruce, you accept our, 4 Types of Pole Pruners for Trimming Trees, How to Create and Maintain a Formal Hedge, Heading Back and Other Types of Pruning Cuts, How to Make an Easy Brick Patio Pattern for Beginners, Tips on Pruning Arborvitae After Snow Damage, The 9 Best Cordless Hedge Trimmers of 2020. , at minimum, during the warmer months and reduce frequently as the cools. Proceed pruning tools is most appropriate run the power trimmer to cut along the top column. Defined finish along the top face of the hedge as you cut those that deflecting... Cut individually, with cuts carefully placed based on bud growth as the string for level, necessary... For large limbs, a bucksaw can how to trim hedges with shears kept up for one to two of! Itself will stimulate new growth is underway you are leaning forward into the ground much if there indentations! Glovesprevent blisters while helping you win the war against thorns any branches that seem of! 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