Caring for Your Hedge It is important to encourage young hedges to be dense and compact. It is tempting, and gives a feeling of satisfaction, to let the plants race upwards but you risk having a hedge that is open at the base and lower branches that are widely spaced unless you take courage and trim.
Cut hedge plants back by a third when you first plant them and repeat this in their second year. This encourages branching and dense, bushy growth and will make for a better hedge in the long run.
In subsequent years cut back by a smaller amount each year until the plants have reached the desired height and width.
Keep the hedge weeded, especially in the early years, to encourage good growth and eliminate competition for moisture and nutrients.
Hedges need feeding just as much as the rest of your garden. An annual mulch of compost will keep the hedge happy, or a general-purpose fertiliser as recommended by your local plant nursery. Don't overfeed or scorch the stem or roots of the plant, and make sure you read the label on any fertilisers carefully.
Trimming Established Hedges Formal hedges need to be trimmed in early summer or autumn, and sometimes in both, to keep them neat. Regular trimming maintains a compact hedge. Trim regularly each year as wild and woolly; overgrown hedges are definitely a difficult job to cut well. Overgrown hedges can also open up and unsightly gaps take care and time to rectify.
Cut the hedge with a 'batter' or slope on the sides so that the top is slightly narrower than the base. This allows light to get to the bottom of the hedge, which might otherwise become twiggy and open, and improves stability and shape in windy or, if you experience them, snowy conditions.
Very formal hedges should be cut with a line and the sides shaped with a template of plywood, or similar material, to maintain a constant line. Some hedges are cut using a plum-line, so precise is the work! Use steps, or even better a scaffold, and not a ladder to reach the top of hedges, as leaning the ladder against the hedge pushes the hedge out of shape as you cut it.
Informal hedges do not need trimming and clipping as often as a formal hedge, but you still need to pay attention to them. As for any shrub or tree branches that are damaged, old and woody, rubbing on others or spoiling the shape of the hedge should be removed. Cut out some older growth each year to encourage new growth and keep the bushes 'young'. The timing of this work is generally after flowering or the fruit have finished for the season.
Making Good Neighbours Some hedges are greedy plants and all hedges will take moisture and nutrients from the soil. This can be to the detriment of you border, vegetables, ornamental plants or your lawn. One way to contain a hedge is to trim it regularly and it will not make the root growth that it might if allowed to grow into a mature tree or shrub.
Another technique is to dig a trench, about one spade-width between the hedge and you other plants. This needs to be to the depth of the hedge feeder roots (these can usually be clearly seen when you dig). By keeping this trench open the feeder roots are stopped, as they will not grow out into the air.
Long-Term Investment Whether planted for shelter or for aesthetic reasons, a hedge is a long-term investment.
With good preparation and planting, followed up by regular maintenance your hedge will be a satisfying part of your garden, something non-gardening visitors may almost take for granted!
Trim regularly for a compact hedge
Trim in early summer or autumn, sometimes both
Weed to reduce competition for nutrients and water
Water in dry weather
Feed with compost or a general-purpose fertiliser
Hidcote Manor - meticulous laying out, planting and hedge aftercare
Tools for Trimming
Trimming Hedges requires tools that are sharp and clean. Do this before you start. You will need shears, hedge trimmers or secateurs
The recent outbreak of disease in box hedges in the United Kingdom is thought to be carried from plant to plant on the shears and disinfecting between plants has been recommended. Good hygiene and removing the clippings is also essential.
Shears give a greater degree if control and are essential for cutting shaped or rounded hedges.
Large leaves plants need secateurs as shears will mangle the leaves.
Power (electric and petrol) hedge cutters are fast and effective for most hedges. The length of the power cord determines the reach of electric cutter and a transformer should always be used to protect against electrocution.
Petrol hedge cutters are more powerful and useful for large and shelterbelt hedges.
Trimming Hedges requires tools that are sharp and clean. Do this before you start. You will need shears, hedge trimmers or secateurs
