HEDGE TRIMMING JEFFERSONVILLE KY
RiSE Turf Care Services
HEDGE TRIMMING
Established hedges require trimming to keep them dense and compact that why we provide hedge trimming service. Formal hedges require more frequent trimming than informal hedge.
When To Trim Hedges
When you have new hedges planted, it is important to understand that they require special attention during their first couple of years. This is where formative pruning comes in. Formative pruning is a process that involves shaping the hedges to ensure they grow in a healthy and aesthetically pleasing manner. This practice is usually carried out during winter or spring when the hedges are dormant. Once the formative pruning is complete, you will need to maintain these hedges. This is done through regular trimming, which is usually carried out once a year for informal hedges and twice a year for formal ones. However, it is important to note that some formal hedges may require up to three cuts a year. To ensure that your hedges remain in good condition throughout the year, maintenance trimming is generally carried out between spring and summer. This is the time when the hedges are actively growing and can benefit the most from trimming. With proper care and attention, your hedges will thrive and add beauty to your outdoor space for many years to come.
Trimming Techniques
Hand-held hedge shears are fine for smaller hedges, but for large hedges you’ll probably find it easier to use an electric or petrol hedge trimmer. No matter what you use always make sure the equipment is sharp and well lubricated.
Always think of your safety when using a powered hedge trimmer. Wear safety goggles and sturdy gloves. Before starting, remove any obstacles on the ground. Avoid using powered tools above shoulder height and use sturdy step ladders or platforms, ensuring they are stable. Electric hedge trimmers are ideally used with a residual current device (RCD) and should not be used in damp conditions. Place the cable over your shoulder to prevent it being accidentally cut. See our advice in electricity in the garden for more safety tips.
Formal hedges
There is no need for the width of even vigorous hedges to exceed 60cm (2ft) if they are regularly trimmed. Formal hedges should be slightly tapered on both sides so that the base is wider than the top and light can reach the bottom of the hedge. This is known as cutting the hedge to a batter.
Follow These Tips To Ensure An Even, Symmetrical Hedge:
- Cutting straight, crisp edges by eye can be difficult. Use a taut horizontal string tied between two stout canes to act as a guide to cut the top of the hedge level. Canes or stakes pushed into the ground help with vertical lines.
- To shape the top of the hedge (e.g. to an arch), cut a template of the shape required from cardboard or plywood. Place the template on the hedge and cut following the line of the template, moving it along as you proceed.
- When using shears, ensure that the top of the hedge is cut level and flat by keeping the blades of the shears parallel to the line of the hedge.
- When using a hedge trimmer, keep the blade parallel to the hedge and use a wide, sweeping action working from the bottom of the hedge upwards, so that the cut foliage falls away.