Your hedge is likely to be one of two sorts: shrubs or trees closely planted for a screen or windbreak or a formal hedge of barberry, boxwood or privet, a “wall of green”. It is this second type of hedge that this article addresses.

Tricks of the trade of hedge trimming:

Start trimming when your newly planted hedge starts to noticeably grow, well before your plants reach their desired height. Several trimmings of the fresh growth, getting higher as the hedge grows will produce a tighter, bushier hedge.

Trim the mature hedge during its period of fastest growth; when and how often to trim depends on the species. Evergreens grow early in the season and require one spring trimming. Broadleaf evergreens like boxwood need to be trimmed several times throughout growing season. Deciduous plants like privet also grow all summer and need several trimmings.

Trim whenever your hedge appears to need it. The more frequent the trimming, the better looking your hedge will become.

If your hedge gets a heavy snow load, round the top, and in all climates taper the sides in at the top so that the upper growth does not shade the lower branches.

Use a guide to shear the top flat, by stretching a string between two guide posts at either end of your hedge. Shear the hedge slightly above this string. To trim sides, start at the bottom and sweep upward. Remember to taper as you go up for uniform, full growth.

Rejuvenate old and neglected hedges by cutting way back in early spring, leaving only a few inches above ground. From this starting point, treat the hedge as though it were a new planting. Although this is most appropriate for deciduous hedges, you can do the same with evergreen hedges by leaving enough leaves on the plant.

May you enjoy creating full, lovely hedges with these well tried tricks.