Hedge trimming is something that you will have to do every year, sometimes several times, because, although hedges are slow growing, you do want to keep them in a certain shape.
However, you may not know that Depending on the type of hedge plant you have, various types of pruning are carried out. How about we show you how it's done?
What do you need for hedge trimming?
If you have hedges in your garden and you dread that moment when you have to prune them, the best way to forget about the problem is to have everything ready. And in this case, to prune, you will need the following:
- Manual hedge shears. Because sometimes you will have to cut out parts that, with other instruments, it is impossible for you to access them, or because you have to outline and it is easier to do it with a smaller tool than with a large one. For this reason, we recommend that you have several sizes, not just large ones, within the hedge shears.
- An electric hedge trimmer. It really isn't necessary if your hedge is small, because you won't need it and it won't save you much time. But if you have several and they are large, it will help you get the job done faster and easier. Although later you have to touch up with manual scissors. A little trick for you to know which one to buy is to look at the cutting teeth. The further apart they are from each other the better their ability to trim hedges.
In general, other tools will not be necessary for pruning, although sometimes it is good to have others related to plants on hand such as a rake to collect the pruning branches, or some product if you notice that it has pests or the like.
When is hedge trimming done?
La first hedge pruning, to ensure that these are clean and that they develop well is produced in the months of April and May. At this time the hedges will already be active and the most normal thing is that they begin to grow.
Depending on the type of plant it is, it will go faster or less. In general, you should keep in mind that over time you may have to trim some branches, especially if you want it to have a certain shape, so that it doesn't lose it.
Apart from this important pruning, another is done in September or October, when summer ends. Although we have told you before that it is done a year, the truth is that in the vast majority at least two are done. In fact, up to 4 a year can be done.
Types and how hedge pruning is done
Throughout the article we have told you that hedge pruning is done according to the type of pruning we are giving it. And you must understand that there are different types, not just one. Which are? We explain them to you and tell you how you should do them.
Maintenance pruning
This pruning is done throughout the year and consists of maintaining the shape of the hedges, especially if they are formal, that is, they have a certain shape such as figures of animals, squares, circles, etc.
Normally, it is the one that occurs when the hedge is already formed, and the shoots are always cut in a straight line and maintaining the silhouette of the shape it has. Now, it is better to cut them when they are 10-15 cm than if they are very small because it can influence more to be born (and not stop it, which is what we want).
renovation pruning
This one has like objective to revitalize the plant, that is, renew it. To do this, cuts are made at least three quarters of the shoots to help the plant react and new branches appear that are stronger.
Another less drastic option is to cut only two thirds of the shoots, leaving the others for the plant to give them more strength.
He is alone it is recommended once a year and always in winter (or in the fall, depending on the weather).
radical pruning
This is perhaps the strongest you could do and it is only done for hedges that are several years old and that begin to have areas where they do not throw leaves, or that lose their charm. Instead of uprooting them and replanting others, what can be done is give them a cut to where they have the thickest trunk, or trunks.
We could say that it is leaving it "bald", and what is done with this is to encourage it to branch out and grow again, but with age and acclimatization already done.
Even though this causes you to have to wait longer to re-form it, It's worth it because the plant is totally renewed and it's a very good thing.
Tricks to be able to prune hedges correctly
If you want to get a good result, the best thing you can do is use some of the tricks that even the professionals use. For example:
- For horizontal cut, can you put one rope and cut to the limit of this. This way you will not leave one hedge shorter than another because they will all follow the same line. As it grows, what you have to do is climb the rope. Of course, be careful with the height limitation.
- For vertical cuts, which are the most complicated, the best you can do is draw circles when cutting and always go from bottom to top and vice versa to go using the two sides of the machine and also cut the branches both those that bend down and those that protrude.
- Avoid machines that are too heavy. You will get tired much sooner, especially if you have to cut vertically. You have to think of it as a sickle, and handle it like one.
- Demand do the pruning first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon. In this way you will not suffer from the heat and neither will the plant.
- A few days later, not in the same, throw him out some manure or fertilizer. If you do it in winter, take half the recommended dose. It's a little bit of food that will help you get better sooner and heal cuts and start developing new shoots.
Is it now clear to you how to prune hedges?