Hedge Trimming & Pruning Services

In Pacific Northwest, most contractors use gas powered hedge trimmers with adjustable arms in order to be able to reach those tough to get spaces and get the job done quickly. Accidents can happen, even with smaller hedge trimmers, so if you decide to do this yourself you should keep a first aid kit nearby, collapse or sheath the blades every time you put the hedge trimmer down, and make sure there’s help close by in the unlikely event that something more severe goes wrong.

Once you’ve selected the type of hedge trimmer you will use, it’s time to start trimming your hedges. For easy cleanup, set a tarp underneath your hedge so that the trimmings fall directly onto it. You can then transfer the green waste from the tarp to your compost bin which should save you some time raking it up.

You’ll want to start from the bottom and slowly move your hedge trimmer to the top, getting slightly thinner as you go. Let the machine do the work – the motion of the hedge trimmer doesn’t cut the hedge, the blades do.

Make sure you don’t go too deep on the first pass because you might do irreparable damage. Methodically cut back several inches at a time until you reach your desired depth. Take frequent breaks to step back and observe your work. It can be easy to get carried away and keep cutting, only to step back and see that you’ve now cut one side much deeper than the other.

After each pass, you’ll either want to use your hand or a rake to lightly brush off any lingering debris. This will not only give you a better idea of what you have missed with the hedge trimmer, but it will make sure you don’t forget dead branches in your hedge that will lead to dead spots later. You’d be surprised at the damage that forgotten foliage can cause.

Topping your hedges can be difficult depending on its size. Smaller box hedges can be done with small hedge trimmers since they typically aren’t that tall, but bigger laurel hedges and cedar hedges like those in Pacific Northwest can grow into privacy screen plants if you let them. An adjustable hedge trimmer can help if the height isn’t out of control, but for hedges taller than 6’-8’, we would recommend calling a professional. You can hold your hedge trimmer at the desired angle at the top and move back and forth until you get the desired shape. Some hedges, like cedar hedges, are more vulnerable to being shocked, so you’ll want to be careful to not be too aggressive with your cuts.

The reason you always want to make the top thinner is for the distribution of light. Here in Pacific Northwest, the rain clouds often reduce the amount of light our hedges receive. Having the top of your hedge trimmed slightly thinner allows for light to reach more areas of your hedge, causing it to grow stronger. Even if you’re looking for a straighter edge, you’ll still want a slight gradient inwards towards the top.

Other techniques for improving the distribution of light include hand pruning. Use a hand pruning tool to systematically cut spaces for light throughout your hedge. Without doing this, the buds become too thick on the outside and block light from reaching the inside, and this will lead to the inside looking brown, decayed and dead, a common problem in Pacific Northwest. Sometimes in the worst cases of neglect, more extreme measures will need to be taken, like removing up to a third of the thickest stems at the base of your hedge, but we would not recommend doing this yourself.

With some practice and a bit of know-how, hedge trimming is a relaxing chore to do, but you need the right equipment, some safety measures, and a lot of time and energy. Regular hedge trimming is necessary in maintaining the health and shape of your hedges. Not only does this increase your property value, it also gives you the satisfaction of returning home to a beautiful yard with a nicely maintained hedge.

We here at Wow Mowing in Pacific Northwest know that a modern schedule can be too busy even for some of the simple chores. We are always looking to help you achieve a beautiful lawn and garden, and we also come with top of the line equipment and expertise. Call your local Jim’s franchisee and we’ll be more than happy to give you any advice or tips, or we’ll come right out to your home and give you a free quote on hedge trimming services, or any of your other lawn care, gardening, or landscaping needs.