Hedges are often used to create natural fences, and can add classic appeal to almost any yard. As the foliage used in hedges typically does not grow in perfectly designed patterns, high amounts of grooming and pruning is required to maintain the look of these plants. By regularly shaping your hedges, you can ensure the health, growth, and success of your plants.
Method 1 of 2: Shaping in the Early Years
1Shape lightly during the first few months of growth.
- Hedges that have recently been planted, such as within the previous two months, require only generalized shaping.
- Use a large pair of pruning shears to cut the hedges down to a height of approximately 6 inches (15.24 centimeters). Don't worry about making sure that the tops of the hedges are perfectly aligned at this time, just that they have been adequately trimmed.
2At the end of the first growing season, measure the total height of the hedges.
- This can be done simply by using a yardstick or measuring tape. Determine the distance from the base of the hedges to their highest point.
3Shape the hedges at the start of the second growing season.
- In the spring following the first year of growth by the hedges, greater amounts of shaping must be done. Review the height of the plants, and trim them down to half their current size. This can be done without focusing a great deal on symmetry.
- Make sure that this process has been completed before the hedges begin blossoming.
- In addition, during the second year of growth, the sides of the hedges can be shaped lightly. Using a large pair of shears, trim growth that is sticking out from the sides of the hedge. Focus most of your attention to especially deviant branches and leaves, being carefully to avoid performing excessive amounts of trimming.
4Prepare the hedges for their third growing season.
- At the start of the third growing season, repeat the process described above, trimming the hedges to half their starting height. Greater amounts of shaping on the sides of the hedges may be required at this time.
Method 2 of 2: Shaping Adult Hedges
1Prepare the hedges to be shaped along their length.
- At the start of the fourth growing season, the hedges can be shaped with greater detail. Purchase a pair of stakes that are equal to the height which you want your hedges to be.
- Push the stakes into the ground on either side of the length of the hedge. Tie a piece of light-colored string to each stake, aligning it at the desired height of the hedge.
2Shape the hedges using an electric trimmer.
- With this piece of equipment, carefully trim the top of the hedge down to the height of the string. Use care to ensure that the top of the hedge is level at all locations.
3Prepare the hedges to be shaped along their width.
- Repeat the process above which describes how to trim the hedges along their length. Instead of placing the stakes in the ground on the either side of the length of the hedge, however, insert them into the ground on either side of the width of the plants.
- Tie a string around both stakes, making sure that it is even with the top of the hedge.
- Use an electric trimmer to remove any growth that falls outside either of the staked markers.
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- When trimming the width of a hedge, you may need to move the stakes several times to ensure complete uniformity. This is especially important for hedges which are very long.
- Hedge shaping must be done at least once a season for adult hedges. More trimming may be required on a case by case basis.
Things You'll Need
- Garden stakes
- Tape measure
- Electric hedge trimmer