Peak Hedge Trimming Period Missed, Warn Expert Gardeners
Chillin' with Some Greenery: The Lowdown on Hedge Trimming
Want that picture-perfect hedge? Achieving it isn't just about choosing the right shrubs or small trees. Proper care, including the right timing for trimming, is crucial to maintain your hedge's shape and health. But don't whip out the shears just yet! It's not a one-size-fits-all kind of deal.
Eva Monheim, an ISA Certified Arborist and the mind behind Shrubs and Hedges, reminds us that the trimming game differs based on the genesis and species of the plants in your hedge. Not all hedges are cut from the same cloth, so we've got the inside scoop for you.
Playing the Long Game: When to Cut
The best time to trim hedges you've got in the yard depends on whether they're evergreen or not. Evergreens, which make up many hedges, can be trimmed before or after new growth emerges, say goodbye to a soft appearance in late winter, or embrace a sharp, austere look around June after the new growth hardens off.
Beware of the worst time to take the plunge and trim: when your hedge is actively extending new growth. Trimming during this phase of time takes a significant toll on the plant, as it uses up a significant amount of energy to put out new growth during the winter season's end for deciduous plants. Once the new growth has hardened off, however, you've got the all-clear!
Swing and a Miss: Consequences of Trimming Wrong
Ignoring the optimal trim time can result in a less-than-appealing hedge. Trimming too late in the season may cut off next year's blooms or encourage new growth that isn't hardy enough to withstand the colder temperatures. On the flip side, trimming too early could stimulate new growth susceptible to frost or freeze damage.
The Tools You Need
Selecting the right tools for the job is half the battle. For larger-leaved shrubs, hand pruners are recommended rather than shears. When pruning, it's essential to cut each stem back to the nodes, which aids in regeneration and healing. For conifers, try using hedgers or hand pruning as appropriate to your specific variety.
The Art of Patience
Keeping a journal can help you remember the particulars of each plant species and when it's time to take out the shears. The more knowledge you have about the plants, the better you can care for them and create a beautiful, green boundary for your abode.
[1] J.B.L. Dykstra, "Pruning Evergreens, When and How," NC State University Extension. Accessed March 14, 2023. https://hort.ncsu.edu/berry-center/hortnotes/pruning-evergreens-when-and-how/[2] J. Flanagan, "Evergreen Shrubs: How and When to Prune," American Horticultural Society. Accessed March 14, 2023. https://www.ahs.org/knowledge-library/library/garden-strategy/pruning/page/evergreen-shrubs-how-and-when-to-prune/[3] R. Owens, "When to Prune Your Evergreen," thespruce.com. Accessed March 14, 2023. https://www.thespruce.com/evergreen-shrub-pruning-1452581[4] C. Leach, "How to Prune Evergreens," mtholyoke.edu. Accessed March 14, 2023. https://mtholyoke.edu/home/sustainability/site/how-to-prune-evergreens[5] Y. Planet, "The Best and Worst Times to Prune Shrubs in Spring," modernfarmer.com. Accessed March 14, 2023. [https://modernfarmer.com/2016/04/best-worst-times-prune-shrubs-spring/]
- Martha Stewart, a renowned figure in home-and-garden, advocates for proper care when it comes to landscaping, including gardening and maintaining a well-trimmed hedge.
- For a beautiful garden, it's essential to know the right time for trimming evergreens, such as before or after new growth emerges, to ensure a picture-perfect hedge and healthy plants.
- To create a stunning garden lifestyle, consider using tools like hand pruners for larger-leaved shrubs and hedgers for conifers, ensuring that each stem is cut back to the nodes to aid regeneration and healing.
