How to Tame an Unruly Row of Hedges

Articles on Hedges | Topics: hedges, hedge, bushes, bush

by Angwen Kennedy

Taming an unruly row of hedges may seem like an impossible feat, but it does not have to be. There are many things to be taken into consideration when taming an unruly row of hedges including:

knowing when to prune

correct selection of tools

proper tool usage

proper technique usage

choosing a pruning style and being consistent with it

Knowing when to prune your hedges and pruning them at the appropriate time is an important factor in taming an unruly row of hedges. Most hedges are like other plants, and can only be pruned at certain times of the year. While most trees are best pruned when dormant, hedges can be trimmed in the spring, after the flowers fade away. If the hedges bloom in the summer, they are best when pruned only in the early spring.

Using the proper tools when pruning, also plays a big part in taming an unruly row of hedges. Most professionals will recommend using pruning shears with curved blades. Pruning shears with curved blades tend to do less damage to the branches of the hedges. Blades are now available with Teflon protection. Many feel that the Teflon is beneficial to the shrub, leaving a smoother and even cut. This causes less damage to the hedge and easier pruning. When the branches on the hedges are over a quarter inch thick, it is best to use a bow saw. There are many tools available to help with trimming your hedges. Selecting the right tool for you type of hedge can be determined by speaking with your local garden center.

Quote of the Day

Through winter-time we call on spring,
And through the spring on summer call,
And when abounding hedges ring
Declare that winter’s best of all;
And after that there’s nothing good
Because the spring-time has not come....

—William Butler Yeats (1865–1939)

One of the most important factors in taming a row of unruly hedges is using the proper pruning techniques. Using the proper pruning techniques will help tame an unruly row of hedges, as well as aid in developing a good pruning style.

First, all of the dead parts of shrubbery should be thinned out, and the oldest branches should be removed. It is best to remove the oldest branches right down to the ground to effectively tame them. Doing this should open the center of the hedge to sunlight, and will increase leaf production throughout any bare spots in the hedges. Removing the oldest branches even with the ground will also encourage heavy leaf production at the end of the branch, which will help prevent bare stems and dense surface growth. Be sure to check the trimming as you go along. Don't over trim as this can actually cause more damage to your hedge.

After cleaning out all the dead shrubbery in the row of unruly hedges, the next point of concentration should be the branches that most need to be shaped, making the cut just above the bud, on the outside of the branch. This will encourage outward growth of the branches. This will also give the row of unruly hedges a more natural look without taking on a more formal look.

Last, in order to successfully tame an unruly row of hedges, you must choose a pruning style, and be consistent with it. For lower maintenance, a natural pruning method would likely be the best choice. These methods mainly rely on thinning to keep a row of hedges healthy. These hedges will be neat, but natural, being allowed to grow in natural directions with very little shaping. Snipping off an unruly branch here and there will help keep the natural look of the hedge.

The other method of hedge pruning achieves a more uniformed look, and is known as formal pruning. Formal pruning also includes thinking techniques to keep a row of hedges healthy and tame, but entails regular pruning all over to keeps it's formal appearance. Often gardeners will use a tape measure for more accurate formal hedge trimming. When using formal pruning, the first cut should never be overdone. At some point the final size of the row of hedges can be determined, and once that happens, you will want to keep them that way.

Knowing the appropriate times to prune your hedges, using the proper tools, using good pruning techniques, and choosing a pruning style and being consistent with it will all aid in taming a row of unruly hedges.

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Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "How to Tame an Unruly Row of Hedges" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by FlowersPlantsGardening.com.

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