Established hedges require regular trimming to keep them compact and dense. The more formal the hedge, the more regular the need for trimming. Jim’s Mowing, as Australia’s most trusted name in home gardening services, has a team of expert hedge trimmers on hand to service your property.
Read more about the fundamentals of hedge trimming and when the time is right to call in our experts.
When To Have Your Hedges Pruned
New hedges require formative trimming throughout their first couple of years as a plant. Formative pruning is usually performed during spring or the winter months. Once this phase has been completed, maintenance trimming is required. This is done once a year for informal hedges and twice a year for for formal hedges. Certain formal hedges may require three trims a year. The maintenance trimming phase is usually performed in spring and summer.
Trimming Techniques
Hand-held hedge shears are perfect for smaller hedges. For larger hedges, it is best to use electric or petrol hedge trimmers. Of course, the experts at Jim’s Mowing have this equipment and the skills to use it if you don’t feel confident/don’t have access to a hedge trimmer. The equipment has to be sharp and well lubricated. Safety is imperative when using a powered hedge trimmer, and safety goggles and sturdy gloves are necessary for cutting.
Before commencing, remove any debris or obstacles on the ground. Do not use powered tools above shoulder height and use platforms or sturdy step ladders, ensuring they are stable for climbing. If your hedges are regularly trimmed, there is no need for their width to exceed 60cm (2ft). Formal hedges should be cut so that light can reach the bottom of the hedge and that the base is wider than the top.
For Ensuring an Even, Symmetrical Hedge
Cutting crisp, straight edges by eye can prove difficult. You want to use a taut horizontal string which has been tied between two stout canes to work as a guide to cut the top of the hedge level. Stakes or canes pushed into the ground assist with vertical lines.
To shape the top of the hedge (e.g. to an arch), cut out a template of the shape required from plywood or cardboard. Position the template against the hedge and cut along the line of the template, moving it along the hedge as you continue.
When using hedge shears, make sure the top of the hedge is flat and level by keeping the blades of the shears parallel along the line of the hedge.
Informal Hedges
You want to remove misplaced shoots and cut the hedge back to its necessary size. Use loppers or secateurs when necessary. Do this especially if the hedge has large evergreen leafs, as this will avoid unsightly leaf damage.
Of course, not everyone wants to take on the task of hedge trimming, so feel free to call the professionals at Jim’s Mowing on 131 546 to book our expert hedge trimming service.
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