How to Trim Hedges

A man cutting the lawn with an ECHO® brush cutter.

How to Trim Hedges

Lawn care involves more than just mowing; you have to maintain the shrubs, hedges, and landscaping! Not everyone has the same landscaping of course, but you’ll more than likely have some sort of hedge that needs to be trimmed. Our team at Wildwood Mower & Saw has put together a guide to help you improve your landscaping skills and keep your hedge maintained.

1. Use the Right Tools

The most important part of landscaping is using the right equipment. There are a few different tools you can utilize for trimming hedges, like trimmers and pruners.

You might need an array of tools to get the job done well. Small branches will need to be removed with smaller tools, but you’ll need something a bit bigger to shape and trim. It’s essential to choose the right tools for the job, but you’ll also want to choose the right tools for you!

Make sure to find equipment you’re comfortable using. You might prefer manual tools or power tools, but either way you want something you can control.

2. Understand Seasonal Elements

The way you maintain your hedge can change throughout the year. Growing seasons and warmer weather may increase the amount of work that needs to be done!

When things aren’t flowering, you’ll only want to trim things as-needed, but it will be important to monitor for weed growth. Keeping hedges in shape can reduce weeds and just generally look better! If you have things that flower, keep in mind that your schedule will need to revolve around the blooms.

The way you maintain and trim your hedges will promote a specific shape and growing pattern, as well. If you’re dealing with younger hedges, you may want to trim more often to promote healthy growth and begin establishing your desired look.

3. Perfect Your Technique

A big part of good maintenance is using the right technique. If you’re just developing your skills, be mindful and take your time. Get to know the equipment you use and focus on the larger problem areas before you focus on shaping. Tend to each area separately and focus on one shrub at a time!

Your technique should also be a reflection of your goal. If you want to let more sunlight pass through to promote growth, make sure to evenly thin the branches. If your goal is more about presentation, be more mindful about where and how you trim.

It will take time and practice to perfect your technique and develop your style, but it doesn’t have to be difficult to keep your hedges trimmed. With the right tools and knowledge, your space will look incredible! Visit us in Wildwood, FL, to find out more and get the right tools. We proudly serve Oxford and The Villages.