The Do’s and Don’ts of Hedge Trimming

Hedges serve as decorative borders that double as privacy enhancers. To make them dense and attractive, they call for regular trimming. However, hedge trimming in Manotick isn’t just about cutting them into shape. It’s about using good skills and creating enviable shapes while protecting the plants from harm.

Here are some of the do’s and don’ts of trimming your hedges.

The Do’s of Hedge Trimming in Manotick

When trimming your hedges, you should follow the appropriate practices:

• Use the appropriate tools. Using the correct trimming tools for the size and type of branch is the key to maintaining the health of your hedges. Ideally, the best tools make crisp, clean cuts on growing branches and leaves. For dead twigs, it’s best to use tools with a crushing action. As such, do use tools for the necessary trimming service.

• Use the correct technique. Besides tools, making the cleanest cut possible when trimming your hedges ensures the plant recovers quickly. Remember that plants heal by either walling off or compartmentalizing the cut. If the cut is made wrongly could make it harder for the plant to heal and possibly attract diseases. There are two different kinds of cuts you should use.

• Thin the cuts. Thinning cuts should be applied to dense-growing branches. They allow ample air circulation

• Head the cuts. This is the best practice for controlling unruly branches or stems. The cuts are made on the outer side of the brand node with a bud.

• Prune during the right time. The best time to trim your hedges to promote new growth is during the later winter months. You may also prune during spring, but the blossoms have opened after all.

• Prune diseased branches off. Best hedge trimming practices involve ridding your hedges off disease branches. If you see a branch or a twig that looks weak or fades in color, cut it off before it spreads.

The Don’ts Of Hedge Trimming in Manotick

You should avoid the following practices like the plague:

• Don’t prune more than 1/3 of the hedge. Never cut more than a third of any plant at a time, whether it’s a hedge or a shrub. If you don’t avoid this practice, you will shock your plants, which will make them recover slowly or prevent them from recovering entirely. While you may become excited during the trimming process, you should restrain yourself completely. Also, avoid cutting the branches flush against the trunk.

• Don’t stub your hedge. To stub, a plant means lopping it off at the top. If you don’t avoid this practice, you will encourage multiple replacement branches to grow, making your hedge denser. It will also make your nest trimming project harder.

• Don’t trim flowering plants in mid or late fall. Flowering plants start budding during fall. While it may be tempting, do not trim them. Also, when the right time for trimming flowing plants comes, don’t cut too close or too far from the bud you want to encourage.

• Don’t allow dead branches to be a safety hazard. Don’t leave dead branches or twigs on your hedges as they absorb the plant’s energy. They can also become deadly projectiles during extremely windy weather.

Key Takeaway

If you want the best results, trimming your hedges calls for the appropriate tools and techniques to maintain healthy growth and maintain their aesthetic appearance. Following this guide can help you get started right away!

More about Hedge Trimming in Ottawa