Hedge Trimming: How To Properly Trim Bushes

Cultivating hedges as part of your landscape is an excellent way to create natural boundaries on your property as well as add privacy and reduce noise pollution in your yard. Of course, if you have hedges on your property, you’ll need to take care of them. Part of that care involves hedge trimming.

Pruning your hedges allows you to manage the shape and size so that they keep an attractive and uniform appearance. This also prevents overgrowth while stimulating new growth to keep your hedges healthy and lush.

If you’re new to trimming, you may be worried about how to trim bushes. We’ve got good news for you. Trimming hedges is relatively simple as long as you follow the right steps.

How to Trim Hedges for a Neat and Healthy Yard

Before you learn how to trim overgrown hedges, it’s important to know when and how often to trim your hedges. While timing will vary, we recommend trimming non-flowering hedges every six to eight weeks during the growing season. When cooler weather hits, growth will slow, and you don’t need to trim as regularly.

Trim your spring-blooming hedges just after their flowers open up. For summer-flowering shrubs, trim in the late winter or early spring.

1. Prep for the Task

Ready to learn how to trim bushes and shrubs? The first step is all about preparation. Get your tools ready (more on that later), and put on your safety gear, including gloves, goggles, pants, and a long-sleeved top.

Assess your shrubs and look for any dead, diseased, or damaged branches you’ll need to remove.

2. Establish Guiding Lines

When it comes to hedge trimming, you want the final result to look clean and even. That can be hard to achieve if you’re just eyeballing your hedges. While putting up guiding lines takes a little extra time, it’s worth the effort.

Using stakes and string, create lines where you want to trim your hedges. Use a hammer and mallet to drive the stakes into the ground, starting at the beginning and end of your hedge line, adding more stakes in the middle. Set the stakes so that they “lean in” toward the top of the hedge. You want the base of the hedge to be wider than the top to allow the lower branches to receive more sunlight.Tie a lower and an upper string to your stakes. The upper string will guide you in trimming down the height of the hedges.

3. Make Major Cuts First

It’s time to trim. You can use hand shears or loppers to snip off any branches that get in the way of your string while setting up your guide lines. Next, use your electric trimmer, pruning saw, or loppers to get rid of any significantly overgrown branches and to cut out diseased or dead sections. Now, your hedge is ready for its trim.

4. Trim Your Hedges

We suggest trimming the top of your hedges first. Use your tool of choice, but if you have larger hedges, it’s worth using an electric trimmer. Follow your guiding lines as you work your way across your hedges. If you can, maintain a slight slope toward the center of your hedges to encourage even distribution of sunlight.

Next, it’s time to trim down those sides. Begin trimming from the bottom of your hedges and work your way to the top. Keep your base wider than the top as you go. Remember to step back every so often and check on your progress.

5. Fine-Tune Your Work

When the main trimming is done, give your hedges a final polish. Use your hedge shears to snip away any uneven or unruly parts of your hedge for a uniform look.

6. Clean Up Your Mess

While it might be tempting to admire your gorgeous hedges all day, it’s time to clean up. Take out your stakes and string and save them for your next hedge trimming. Rake up and dispose of the trimmings. If you’re composting, these trimming can go right into your compost pile.

How to Trim Overgrown and Tall Hedges

Has it been a while since you’ve trimmed your hedges? Or, have you recently moved into a property where the previous owner didn’t do as much TLC as they should have? When it comes to how to trim tall hedges and hedges that are overgrown, you’ll likely need extra tools and time to achieve the desired look.

• Use special tools: Make sure you have a sturdy, tall ladder. Never overreach on a ladder, as this could lead to a fall. You may also want to invest in extendable tools.
• Gradual pruning: Cutting off too much of your hedges at once can stress your plants. Instead, reduce the height and width gradually over several seasons. Never trim more than a third of your hedge height at a time.
• Internal thinning: Use loppers or a pruning saw to remove some of the internal branches to improve light penetration and air circulation.
• Be patient: It’s going to take several growing seasons to get your once overgrown hedges under control.

Tools for Trimming Hedges: Electric Trimmers, Shears, and More

A good landscaper is only as good as their tools. When it comes to how to trim hedges, make sure you equip yourself with the right items so you’ll get a good result every time.

• Hedge shears: These long-handled tools include two sharp blades and look like extra-large scissors. They’re ideal for manually trimming small to medium-sized hedges. You can also use them for precise trimming and detail work.
• Electric hedge trimmer: If you don’t want to spend all day hand-trimming your hedges, an electric trimmer will dramatically speed up the process. They’re a great option for large hedges or hedges that need frequent trims. You can find corded and cordless varieties.
• Pruning saw: Your hedge shears might not be able to handle thicker branches. For this job, choose a pruning saw. This tool usually features a curved blade with sharp teeth that let you saw through especially troublesome branches.
• Pruning shears: For detailed work, choose a pair of pruning shears. Though not as powerful as hedge shears, pruning shears can help you fine-tune your hedges after the main trimming.

Tips for Keeping Hedges and Bushes Well-Maintained Year-Round

The best way to take care of your hedges is to commit to a regular hedge trimming schedule based on your hedge type. Wait until the dormant season for major reshaping and perform light trims during the growing season. Always use clean, sharp tools for the best results.

Between trimmings, water your hedges deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Add a layer of mulch around the base of your hedges to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize your hedges annually and monitor your hedges for pests and diseases.

Keep Your Yard Looking Sharp with Professional Hedge Trimming

Hedges can be an important part of your overall landscape, giving your property character while protecting your privacy. However, without ongoing care, hedges can start to look ragged and unappealing. If you don’t have the time or desire to learn how to trim bushes and hedges, we can help.

At The Grounds Guys®, our local service providers perform residential and commercial landscaping. That includes tree and shrub maintenance. We can keep your hedges trimmed and uniform while also performing ongoing lawn care so they stay healthy and strong.

Request a free estimate today.

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. The Grounds Guys are not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact The Grounds Guys location nearest you for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.