Tips for Trimming Hedges

Trimming hedges can be done several different ways. Here are the basic guidelines on how to trim a formal hedge to get straight lines and edges. Proper planning and the right tools are the best way to trim a hedge.

1. Decide what size hedge will be the optimum for the space it is growing in. Make up a standard trimming plan for the final full grown hedge. It might be a hedge that is 1 yard high by 1 yard wide or it could be 6 feet high and 2 feet wide. After you have a plan and the measurements decided, make up some rods or stakes that will go deep enough into the ground and at least as tall as the finished height you want. The stakes also need to be strong enough to pull and hold a string tight.

2. When trimming a formal hedge the cut lines will not follow the undulations of the soil. To get a straight top line, measure the stake from the ground to the desired height after it is inserted in the ground. Insert the stake at the other end and measure from the ground up the same distance. Attach the string at the desired height on one stake and pull tight to the same height on the other stake. This will give a straight line from one point to another. If the hedge is long enough that the string sags then stake and cut in smaller sections keeping in mind that you want a smooth line of sight from the beginning to the end. Once you have the alignment of the hedge figured out go to the next step.

3. Insert a metal stake into the ground at the beginning of the section of hedge to trim. Insert another metal stake at the end of the hedge section to trim.

4. Trim the sides of the hedge first. When using gas powered or electric hedge trimmers cut from the bottom to the top in an upward motion keeping the blade straight against the side. Most people have a tendency to swing the blade in towards the bottom but keep it straight. You want the bottom of the hedge to be a little wider than the top so it can get light and fill in with leaves. The bottoms are always a little weaker because of shade and it takes longer for them to recover if cut in too far. Use a template to trim a tall hedge.

5. Trim the top of the hedge next. Keeping the blade just above the string line that has been pulled tight for a guide, cut in sweeping motions all in the same direction working along the top of the hedge until you get to the end.

6. Always use sharp blades on the tools. Learn to sharpen them properly and for large jobs sharpen during the job if needed. Watch how clean the cut is and if the trimmer cuts easily without jamming or pushing the leaves and small stems out of the way.

7. Use the right tools for the job. Read the instructions with the motorized hedge trimmers and only cut the twigs and leaves that it is recommended for. If there are larger pieces in the way cut them out with a good pair of hand pruners or a small tree saw before you trim a hedge.
Source:Net