How to Trim a Hedge
Hedges are a common sight in many gardens, and a well-maintained hedge contributes to helping your garden look neat and well-maintained. Here’s how to trim those hedges properly.
Tools
Electric trimmer (for large hedges)
Manual trimmer (for small and medium-sized hedges)
Stakes
Nylon string
Pruning shears
Mallet
Fertilizer
Tape measure (optional)
Procedure
When to trim a hedge depends on how robust your hedge is, and how quickly it grows. Trimming during the spring season is a good way to start, when the hedge is growing actively.
Affix a tall wooden stake at each end of the hedge. The stake should be taller than the hedge.
Use a mallet to drive the stakes into the ground. It should not be easy to sway or fall down.
Go to one side of the hedge and take the nylon string with you. Tie one end of the nylon string to one of the stakes. Skim the nylon over one side of the hedge, until you reach the other stake. Tie the other end to the other stake, making sure that the line is taut and smooth. The nylon string will be your guide when cutting the hedges, to make sure that the surface is even. Tie another string if the area is too wide.
If branches get in the way of the string, use pruning shears to get rid of the offending branches.
Repeat Step 4 to the surface of the hedge and the other side of the hedge.
Start trimming. Hold the manual trimmer as level as you can. Complete one area first before moving on to the next one. This will help keep your trimming more even.
Once you’re done with trimming, use your pruning shears to polish your work. Remove dead or diseased leaves or branches that you may have overlooked.
After cleaning up after trimming, apply fertilizer to your hedge to help it recover from your trimming.
Don’t be afraid to practice. Hedges can grow back, you know.