SolveYourProblem
Hedges Article Series
I
Want To Create
The Perfect Hedge
Learn
To Tame Rows of Hedges
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 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.
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.
