Hedge Trimming Guide

Why, When & How to Trim Hedges

Hedges are a brilliant way to naturally separate gardens, add privacy, and create a haven for wildlife.

But they do take quite a bit of maintenance. It is good to see your hedge growing but leave it too long and it can start to look unkempt. Hedge trimming also promotes hedge health, as it gets rid of any dead or dying branches.

Hiring a hedge trimmer is the easiest and quickest way to get the job done, especially if your hedge is large or tall. You can then use pruners to tidy up any smaller areas.

Hedge trimming only needs to be done once or twice a year, so hiring professional tools for the job when needed makes sense.

 

HIRE HEDGE TRIMMERS FROM SPEEDY

 

Always wear PPE when using gardening tools. Eye protection, gloves, and safety boots will be needed when using a hedge trimmer, and they’re all available to buy from Speedy.

We’d also recommend wearing ear protection when using petrol-powered equipment.

 

 

Why Do Hedges Need to be Trimmed?

You may want your hedge to grow taller, or thicker, to add privacy to your garden. However, leaving it to do its own thing is a bad idea.

Trimming hedges promotes new growth, getting rid of any dead or dying branches, and any weaker parts of the branch.

Cutting a branch shorter often promotes further growth on the existing branch, rather than allowing it to get gangly and scrawny.

 

When to Trim Hedges

There are a few things to consider here.

Formative pruning—that is, helping the hedge get into its shape again after winter—should be done in winter or early spring, before March.

You want a dry day if you’re using an electric hedge trimmer, and you need to dedicate enough time to the job. Before you begin, decide how much hedge you’re going to cut off, and on the final shape.

SPEEDY TOP TIP: Worried you won’t manage to keep everything in a straight line? Tie string on one end of the hedge to the other, or on two canes, as a marker to follow.

Trim informal hedges just once per year. Flowering shrubs should be trimmed after the flowering season.

Formal hedges should be trimmed two or three times every year. Use a powered hedge trimmer when cutting straight, then manual hedge shears if you need to add shape.

If you have a low hedge, cut the top of your hedge first to make it flat, then start on the sides. For overgrown or tall hedges, start on the side of the hedge, then the top.

Don’t trim conifer hedges after August, as it encourages dieback and bare patches could form.

 

Consider wildlife and nesting birds

You also need to think about wildlife. Hedge trimming should always be done outside of the nesting season, seen as March to August in the UK.

It is an offence under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 if any person intentionally “…takes, damages or destroys the nest of any wild bird while that nest is in use or being built.”

So, leave the second trim until all signs of birds have gone, after August.

Consider watching your garden for a few days before the nesting season, to check no out-of-season birds are using the hedge as shelter from bad weather.

Also, check below your hedge for hedgehogs and other sheltering animals.

 

How to Trim a Hedge

Hand-held shears are fine for small hedges, but for large areas, you need a hedge trimmer.

A long-reach hedge trimmer will be best if your hedge is tall, minimising the need for a ladder or other working-at-height platform.

Before using your hedge trimmer from Speedy, read the folder attached to your hire product and follow the instructions as well as the safety guidelines.

Once you have your string marker in place to act as a guideline, start trimming. Keep the hedge trimmer parallel to the hedge. Use a wide, sweeping action.

Start at the bottom of the hedge and sweep upwards, which allows the cut foliage to fall to the ground.

You will want to cut the bottom wider than the top. It won’t look uneven; it just helps the lower branches to get enough sunlight!

Brush off the trimmed branches as you go, and again at the end. You might need to shake the hedge to get them all out. Dead branches can spread fungal diseases if left too long.

Finally, add a layer of feeding compost or fertiliser to the ground to encourage new growth. Then take a step back and admire your work!

 

 

Can I Hire Hedge Trimmers?

Yes. Speedy Hire, the UK's leading tool hire company, have a range of hedge trimmers and long-reach hedge trimmers for hire nationwide.

Speedy has more than 200 local service centres across the nation, hire counters in selected B&Qs and nationwide 4-hour delivery. Order online and choose the option which suits you best.

Why not open a Speedy account today?