SolveYourProblem
Hedges Article Series
I
Want To Create
The Perfect Hedge
Want
a Neat, Formal Looking Hedge?
Would
you like to turn your unruly hedges into formal hedges? Are you tired of the natural look, and
desire a uniform look? The following paragraphs will provide
you with some insight and pruning tips for turning a row of
unruly hedges into a row of neat, formal hedges.
Before attempting to turn an unruly row of hedges into a row
of formal hedges, there is one very important thing
to remember. To turn those unruly hedges into a nice row of formal hedges,
it will likely take more than one season and many, many pruning
sessions. You will not accomplish your goal in one pruning,
and usually not even in one complete season. The branches of
your natural hedges have become accustomed to growing a certain
way, and it will take time to train them to grow differently.
Knowing the appropriate
times to prune your bushes will definitely
help with straightening out your hedge. Depending on the type
of hedges you have, you should prune your hedges in late spring,
after they are done flowering, or in late fall, right before
they go dormant. On the other hand, with some evergreen hedges,
it is best to prune them when they are dormant. Do some research
about the particular kind of hedges you have before deciding
when to prune them. Your local garden center should be able
to provide you with the necessary information.
When you are trying to turn a row of unruly hedges into a
row of formal hedges, the tools you use are important. Most
professionals will recommend using long bladed hand shears
for turning those wild hedges into formal hedges. Using long
bladed hand shears will enable you to give your hedges a precise
cut, and carefully thin and cut out the necessary branches.
When shaping the hedge, start by taking off less than you believe
necessary. Step back and take a look as you proceed. Remember,
once cut, there is no putting it back. Yes, it will grow again,
but do you really want to wait that long?
The first
step in turning an unruly row of hedges into a row
of formal hedges is to thin out all the dead branches, as well
prune out any crossed branches and branches that are unsuitable
for any reason. Starting with the dead branches, remove them
completely. Then move on to the crossed branches, cutting them
completely off as well. Trim them right down to the ground.
This is the beginning of giving your hedges a more formal look.
After thinning out your row of unruly hedges, you should move
to the top. You may have an idea about how tall you ultimately
want your row of hedges to be, but you should never take off
more than six inches in the first pruning. Once the hedges
are close to the ideal height, you should quit, and let them
grow for a month or two. But it is not good to overdo the first
cut.
Once the top is done, you should trim
the sides of your unruly
hedge line to create a flat plane. It is important to trim
the hedges so they are slightly wider at the bottom than they
are at the top. This is important because it will help encourage
leaf production from top to bottom, rather than from bottom
to top. When you prune your hedges a second time, you should
remove the wild ends, but you should try to leave as much of
the new growth as you can for a more formal look.
At some point you will reach your desired height and width
of your formal hedges, but be patient. Following the right
pruning procedures, knowing the right tools to use, and knowing
the appropriate times to prune your hedges can all factor in
to the success you will be in turning a row of unruly hedges
into a row of formal hedges. Also, it is important to remember
it will not happen in one pruning session, and sometimes can
take more than one season. But being armed with the right knowledge,
changing a row of unruly hedges into a row of formal hedges
is very possible.
