In this section
Hedge care
Forming and Shaping Hedges
For example if your hedge is to have a level top, clip this first. Then use a length of string stretched tautly between two stakes as a guide for accuracy. On wide hedges, trim half the width from one side and repeat from the other. Brush off the clippings to stop it building up fungi on the hedge.
To get an accurate face, tie a string between the top guideline and another at the base of the hedge. Alternatively, cut a wooden template to match the intended shape. Vertical sides suit low hedges, but they also shade out low growth in taller hedges, so the sides of these should slope outwards at 15° to 25° from the vertical.
General Clipping and Trimming Tips
While shaping or clipping formal hedges, use a guideline to create an accurate shape. Cuts later in the same season can often be done using your eye, by clipping back to the base of the new growth. When clipping your tall hedges, make sure your stepladder or platform is stable.
Primitive Clipping and Trimming
You must remember that it is important to start clipping some hedging species at an early stage to prevent bare leggy growth which will not thicken out your hedge. Straight after planting, cut evergreens, such as box and Yew, back by around one third and Semi-evergreen and deciduous plants, such as privet and beech, to 15cm to 30cm (6in to 12in) on very young plants.
Trim their sides during the first summer to encourage dense growth this will help stimulate growth and get you a better look when new growth appears. This will thicken the hedge out well and you will benefit from it when the hedge matures.
Managing Hedge Growth
The timing and frequency of clipping depends on the plant species used, as well as the type of finish you require. Fast-growing species, such as privet and some conifers and Leylandi, for example, may need trimming more during the year to maintain a dense, formal effect.
Most conifers can be clipped just before mid-summer. This is also suitable for slow-growing evergreens such as holly and yew. More vigorous evergreens, such as box or Laurel, benefit from a trim in late spring. Deciduous species are usually pruned twice annually, first in winter while dormant and again in mid-summer time.
Priorities of Clipping and Trimming Hedges
The use of hand shears or a petrol or electric trimmer for hedge clipping more of a personal choice. The latter can be less tiring for large or frequently trimmed hedges and may leave a smoother finish, especially on conifers.
REMEMBER If you use a mains powered electric trimmer, check that you are protected by safety features such as a fast brake on the blade and a circuit breaker or residual current device. Keep the mains cable away from the blade, ideally draped over one shoulder rather than trailing on the ground.