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Basics Tips on Forming Your Hedge Shapes
from: Lawn and Garden MagicGetting your hedge formed into a specific shape seems like a difficult task to some people, but it really isn't if you put some time and effort into it. Here's a few basic tips to follow when forming the shape of your hedges.
First, you should understand when forming the shape is that shearing is different than pruning. Shearing, or trimming, involves haping each individual branch in the hedge. Pruning, on the other hand, is selectively removing specific branches so you can maintain the shape and form, which also promotes healthy growth. When you start shaping your hedges you'll be doing shearing and then regular pruning in order to maintain that perfect shape.
Next, you should always consider the type of hedges you have so you can determine the best time of year your hedges should be sheared or pruned. Knowing the type will work best for shaping or you can consult with your local garden center for help. Shearing your hedges to form their shape at the correct times of the year will get you the best results. Hedges that flower in the spring should be shaped once the flowering stage is finished. By shaping your hedges before the flowering stage is completed, you'll end up shearing off buds and this results in less flowering.
For hedges that bloom in the summer, the best time to shape them is late summer, again, once the flowering stage is completed. The types of evergreen shrubs that don't flower in the summer or spring can usually be shaped any time of the year, but before doing so, do your research on the type of hedges you have so you know exactly when the best time of year to shape them for your specific variety.
Always use the correct tools when forming the shape of your hedges. You have the option to use electrical hedge trimmers, but most professionals recommend using a pair of hand held hand hedge pruning shears to form the shape of your hedges since they give you a closer cut. You'll also be able to get at places electrical hedge trimmers have a difficult time reading, plus there are some varieties of hedges that simply can't be pruned with electrical hedge trimmers.
So, once again, do some research on the variety of your hedges before attempting to form their shape with electrical hedge trimmers. If you decide to use an electrical trimmer, then use hand held hedge pruning shears for the first cut of the shaping, followed by the electrical hedge trimmers for maintaining the shape during future pruning sessions.
Finally, when shaping your hedges you should first thin out the dead branches by elimninating them completely. Depending on the shape you're trying to achieve, you should then cut out any crossed branches plus branches you find unsuitable for the shape you're going for.
Next, trim the top, removing no more than 6 inches. Just don't overdo the first cut since you'll eventually reach your desired size and shape. When shaping down the sides, leave the bottom a bit wider than the top, which will encourage leaf growth from the top to the bottom of your hedges rather than leaf development from the bottom to the top.
Geting the right form and shape for your hedges isn't particularly difficult if you put in enough time and effort. You're not likely going to achieve the shape you want after the first shearing, which is fine. You have plenty of time and it's likely to take several seasons to get the exact shape you want, so keep at it and you'll eventually get there.
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