Hedges are an ideal privacy screen and bring natural greenery into the garden. Another advantage is the sheer freedom in choosing the plants. Depending on the tree, however, a hedge requires regular pruning in order to continue to look well-groomed. You can find out how and when to prune best on this page.
When and how should you trim a hedge in summer?
Cutting a hedge in summer is recommended in June on overcast days to promote ideal growth. The pyramid-shaped or conical cut is ideal for topiary cutting to ensure sufficient light supply. Use sharp hedge trimmers and pay attention to personal protective measures.
Pay attention to legal regulations
A hedge may only be radically pruned during the cold season from October to February. This is what the Nature Conservation Association stipulates. The reason is breeding birds that like to settle in the bushes. There is nothing wrong with moderate topiary cutting, even in summer. But before you reach for the hedge trimmer, you should make sure that you are not disturbing any birds while they are breeding.
The right time
June is an ideal month to trim a hedge in summer. At the beginning of the warm season, the days are not too sunny and hot. It is more advisable to cut a hedge on overcast days. Experts recommend pruning on June 24th, St. John's Day. From this point on, many plants begin to sprout their second leaves. As a result, your hedge will retain its trimmed shape well into the coming year and will no longer show any extensive growth. When exactly you should use the hedge trimmer always depends on the type of trees you have. Below you will find an overview of plants that are suitable for either early or late pruning.
Woods for early pruning
- Germany
- – Forsythia
- Garden jasmine
- Box trees
Woods for late pruning
- hornbeams
- elderberry
- Hazelnut
Just don’t wait too long
Pruning too late in late summer is usually followed by poor wound healing. This is reflected in the clear brown coloring of the leaves. Some plants tend to produce new shoots after pruning. The young branches are then very sensitive to frost.
The right technique
Gardeners recommend pyramidal or conical cutting of a hedge. This means that the shape tapers towards the crown. This ensures sufficient light supply for the individual bushes that are close together. Start removing branches from the sides and work your way up to the crown. To create a straight cut, it helps to tension a rope. You should never cut coniferous trees back to the old wood. This would prevent re-emergence.
The right tool
In most cases, the use of a chainsaw is not necessary. A hedge trimmer (€24.00 at Amazon) also serves the purpose, provided it has sharp cutting blades. Small improvements and irregularities can be better compensated for with the manual tool anyway. But above all, pay attention to your safety. Protective gloves are highly recommended; if necessary, you should also wear safety glasses.
