When nature slowly retreats in autumn, it's time to do one last hedge trimming. If the technique is correct and external factors are taken into account, new shoots will form the following spring, so that you can also look forward to green property borders next year.
How do I trim a hedge correctly in autumn?
To trim the hedge correctly in autumn, pay attention to technique, timing and weather. Cut from bottom to top, choosing an autumn day with temperatures above 5°C and preferring mid-October as the ideal period. For boxwoods, pruning is recommended in late summer.
Cutting hedges in autumn - this is how you do it right
Would you like to use the scissors and radically shorten the hedge? Unfortunately, it's not that simple. A little experience in how to best use the scissors and which days are best are part of a perfect cut. If you cut your hedge spontaneously and negligently, you risk permanent damage, especially in autumn. Therefore, you should consider the following aspects:
- the technology
- the time
- the weather
- special plants
The technology
The correct handling of the hedge trimmer needs to be learned. In this regard, experts recommend working your way up the sides from bottom to top. It is best to fix the tip of your tool. This guarantees a straight cut.
Time and weather
As the days get shorter, you shouldn't put off trimming the hedge for too long. If you use the scissors too late, the injured shoots will no longer recover and will be very sensitive to frost. The outside temperature should still be above 5°C. If you choose an autumn day that is too cold, you will not be able to get a clean cut. You are more likely to have to squeeze the branches, which leads to poor wound healing. It is best to prune the hedge in the fall in mid-October. But even at the beginning of November, the outside air is usually still acceptable. Cloudy days are the order of the day right now. The hedge does not receive sunlight when cutting. Cut branches then dry out particularly quickly at the interfaces. If you would like to optimize the timing even more precisely, only use the hedge trimmer in the afternoon. By this time, plant sap from the branches has already retreated into the seeds, preventing them from drying out.
Be careful with box trees
Box trees in particular tend to sprout again after being cut back. Scheduling too late would likely mean abandonment due to approaching frost. You should therefore get boxwoods into shape in late summer.
Hedge cutting is even regulated by law
But you shouldn't cut your hedge too early. According to the Nature Conservation Act, only topiary cuts are permitted until the end of September in order not to endanger breeding birds. If you ignore this rule, you will be subject to a fine.
