Hedge Cutting - When and How to Cut Hedges

Hedge cutting puts the perfect finishing touch on a garden, creates a smart boundary, looks stunning and keeps the neighbors happy. What's more, cutting a hedge regularly maintains its shape and avoids problems with unwanted shade.

Once, hedge trimming relied on hand shears - nowadays, a wide range of power tools is readily available to make hedge maintenance much easier.

When to do the cutting:

A good pruning regime makes it easier to control hedges - not least the infamous leylandii. As with most garden maintenance, cutting regularly makes things much easier than leaving maintenance until the hedge has taken over the garden.

Most evergreen hedges require trimming a couple of times during the growing season. Conifers need particularly regular attention due to their fast growth. In comparison, maintenance of informal hedges is determined by when they flower - springtime for the likes of fuchsia and rose; later in the year for berberis and forsythia.

How to cut hedges:

With practice anyone can learn how to trim a hedge to perfection. Formal hedges will reward a systematic approach, starting with the top, followed by the sides and a thorough clear-up of the trimmings to help prevent the spread of fungal diseases.

Guides typically recommend that informal hedges should be allowed to grow more naturally, with periodic trimming to make sure they don't get out of control. Don't forget your dwarf hedges either, those delightful box or rosemary varieties.