The short answer is… it depends. Hedge trimming can be easy or difficult depending on where you live and your attitude towards the job.
Most homeowners underate and undervalued hedges, bushes, and shrubs. But these plants can improve your home’s curb appeal and attractively complement gardens, trees, lawns, patios, and stone walls. You can grow your bushes or shrubs in a privacy screen, live fence, or windbreak. The advantage of these shrubs is that they can stay vibrant and green throughout the year. Are you looking tree care expert, Visit tree care experts in Placer.
But badly overgrown, unkempt, and misshapen bushes and shrubs can negatively impact your home’s value and appearance. If you’re too busy to trim them or don’t feel like cutting them yourself, you can hire the services of Trav’s Trees hedge trimming.
Read on to know more about maintaining a hedge.
Types Of Hedge Trimmers
If you’re like most fathers who love to plant and shape their hedges, you’ll require a hedge trimmer to maintain your hedge. There are three main types of hedge trimmers: corded electric, gas-powered, and battery-powered cordless. Each of these trimmers is sold in different sizes ranging from between 16-24 inches. The trimmer you’ll buy will depend on many factors like the hedge’s location, cost, personal preference, and hedge size.
Gas-powered trimmers come with powerful engines that quickly chop thick branches. Because they lack extension cords, they can allow you to work anywhere on the hedge. However, before using them, you should confirm no restrictions on using gas-powered equipment within your neighborhood.
Corded electric trimmers are common because they’re easy to use. Unlike the gas-powered trimmers, they’re quiet and require low maintenance. You don’t have to worry about exhaust fumes or oil when using these trimmers. They’re a perfect fit for you if you have a small yard that’s close to an electrical outlet.
Cordless trimmers have been in existence for some years, though they’ve gained popularity recently due to their long-lasting lithium-ion batteries. They’re the most convenient because they have the best qualities of electric and gas trimmers.
Cordless trimmers offer you the freedom to walk around the property untethered. But unlike the gas trimmers, they’re quieter and do not produce exhaust fumes.
How To Maintain A Hedge
1. Prune During Winter
It’s advisable to prune your hedge in late winter because most plants are dormant and don’t produce buds during this period. Doing this ensures that the plant’s energy for creating new growth is conserved. If you cut off the buds, you’ll chop off the spent energy, thus making it longer for the hedge to fill out.
2. Ensure Your Hedge Is Wider At The Bottom And Narrower At The Top
Hedges are likely to widen at the top if left alone because that’s where they receive the most sunlight. As a result, the plants will shade out the lower branches, making them produce less foliage. If this happens, gaps are likely to remain under your hedge. Making the top narrower than the bottom will ensure that the lower branches receive adequate sunlight.
3. Decide How High Or Wide You Want Your Hedge
You should make this decision before planting the hedge. Select plants that can naturally grow tight and upright. Most hedges require a width of three feet, while keeping your hedge at the height of your eye level can make maintenance easier. If you can climb a ladder, there’s no harm in growing your hedge higher than your eye level.
The Verdict
Maintaining a hedge requires skill. And if you have that skill, you’ll find it a lot easier. However, if you’re just starting out, you may find it a bit difficult.
