Choose the Right Equipment

When you begin to shop around for a hedge trimmer, you might be surprised at how many options there are! It does make sense when you think about it – after all, hedges come in all shapes and sizes, and so do hedge trimmers. If you have tall hedges, you are going to need a longer tool that can reach those high branches. On the other hand, if you are working in a tight space – like a narrow side yard – you should reach for a compact model.

There are other tools besides hedge trimmers that can also come in handy for maintaining your hedges. A bypass pruner can precisely trim leaves and tender young branches, while a pole pruner can tackle woody overhead branches. If you have thick overgrown hedges, you can use lopping shears to whip them back into shape.

Take Seasonal Factors into Account

Your approach to hedge trimming should change based on the season, the amount of rainfall in your area, and whether or not your hedges produce flowers. You can trim non-flowering hedges as needed to maintain their shape and prevent weed growth. That usually averages to about every 6 to 8 weeks during the warmer months, and somewhat less frequently in the winter. Newly established hedges should be trimmed early and often in order to encourage growth.

If you have flowering hedges, your trimming schedule will depend on when the flowers bloom. Hedges that bloom in the springtime should be trimmed right after they bloom, while hedges that bloom in the summer should be trimmed in the spring or winter.

Use the Proper Technique

Hedge trimming is not rocket science, but if you start hacking away at your hedges without any sense of technique, you might be dissatisfied with the results. You should start by targeting any “problem areas” and trimming back overgrown limbs. This is a good time to bust out your pole pruner! After that, you can use your hedge trimmer to restore each individual bush to the desired shape. Make sure to clear enough foliage to allow air and sunlight to pass through, and remember to prune the base near the roots.

Take occasional breaks to step back and check your progress. When you are satisfied with the overall shape, you can use hand shears to apply the finishing touches.

We hope you found this guide useful! If you have any questions about lawn care, feel free to ask the friendly staff here at Flanagan’s Outdoor Power Equipment. We proudly serve Sherman, TX.