One of the main aspects associated with the American dream is to have a garden and yard that is not only functional, but that also looks as aesthetically appealing as possible. While homeowners and property caretakers may think that hedge trimming is a job that is best left to the professionals, this may not always be necessary. In fact, keeping these tips in mind will help ensure that you’ll be able to trim your hedge to absolute perfection.
The Right Equipment is Crucial
Before attempting to trim hedges on your property, ensure that you have these items on hand:
Thick gloves made from either leather or another extremely sturdy material. You’ll certainly be grateful for these after seeing the number of thorns that some hedges have
A large piece of tarp. When laid down around the area that’s going to be cut, it will make cleanup a lot easier because most of the trimmings will land on it
Safety glasses or goggles. These will protect your eyes against flying wood chips that could cause serious eye injury
Hand clipper. This should have a good grip and feel comfortable in your hand. If it’s too big or too small, it can cause blisters to develop
Electric or gas-powered hedge trimmer. This will save a lot of time, especially if you’re trimming a hedge that’s larger than a few feet long. It can also help get into those spots that are difficult to access by hand
Prune before Hot Weather Arrives
In most cases, it’s recommended that you trim hedges in late winter because they will not have produced new buds as yet. If you trim off buds that have formed, it will cause the hedge to take a lot longer to fill out again. If your hedge is of a flowering variety, it’s recommended that you hold off on the pruning until the day after its blooms have started turning brown.
Trim Narrower at the Top
After being left unattended for a while, most hedges will become wider at the top than the bottom because they receive the most sunlight on the top. However, this causes them to grow in a “V” formation, which will not only look unsightly; it will also cause the rest of the hedge to produce less foliage and look scraggly. When trimming hedges, ensure that the top is left narrower so that sufficient sunlight can reach the lower sections as well.
Practice makes Perfect
Although your first few attempts at hedge trimming may not look overly fantastic, bear in mind that you’ll get better at performing this task over time. Patience and persistence are the two main factors to consider when performing this task.
If you’re a homeowner or property manager who isn’t keen on attempting to trim hedges that have grown out of control, we have professionals who can perform this task on your behalf. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our professional landscapers.