Hedge trimming is as much a part of the summer gardening routine as mowing the lawn. A well-trained formal hedge can define boundaries, provide shelter and shade and supply excellent privacy around the garden.
Many deciduous plants such as Beech and evergreen plants like Laurel, Castlewellen Gold and Leylandii, that tolerate frequent pruning, are ideal examples to use for formal hedges. However, hedges do not have to be uniform and precise in outline. A number of ornamental shrubs that make a dense, shapely growth such as Escallonia, Berberis and Fuchsia are ideal for creating more relaxed and informal hedges, sometimes with a display of flowers as a bonus. This need a different pruning regime, often in a specific season but the art of success relies on choosing the best approach and the right time of year.
TOOLS
The use of hand shears or mechanical trimmers is a personal choice when hedge pruning. The latter can be less tiring for large or frequently trimmed hedges. If you use a mains powered electric trimmer, check that you are protected by safety features such as a circuit breaker and keep the main cable away from the blade, ideally draped over one shoulder rather than trailing on the ground.
EVERGREEN HEDGES
The timing and frequency of pruning depends on the plant species used as well as the type of finish you require. Fast-growing species like privet, Castlewellen Gold and Leylandii may need to be trimmed at least twice a year, in mid summer and again in early autumn, to maintain a dense, formal effect. When Castlewellen Gold and Leylandii are young the leading shoot should be allowed to grow unchecked and tied into a cane or stake until it reaches the final hedge height, when it is stopped during routine summer pruning. Side shoots should be trimmed once or twice a year from the second summer onwards. This will ensure dense, close textured sides in the young hedge. Laurel is similar to Castlewellen Gold and Leylandii in that the side shoots should be trimmed into shape at least twice a year and the top trimmed after it has reached its final height.
FLOWERING HEDGES
When grown as a hedge flowering shrubs such as Rugosa Roses, Fuchsia, Lavender, Berberis and Escallonia have all specific pruning times and it is important to know when to prune as you may be pruning off the flower buds. Plants that flower on the currant years growth such as Lavender, Fuchsia and Roses are pruned in early or mid spring whereas Escallonia and Berberis that flower on last years wood are pruned when the blooms fade.
RENOVATING OVERGROWN HEDGES
Even the best-kept hedges need reducing in size. Castlewellen Gold and Leylandii cannot tolerate hard pruning but plants such as Box, Yew, Privet, Lonicera and Beech respond well to renovation. It is very important that it is done in stages and in the right season. Evergreen hedges particularly Escallonia and Laurel, are best hard pruned in spring after the risk of frost is over and deciduous types like Beech and Fuchsia during the winter while dormant. Cut one side 5-7cm (2-3in) inside the required width and then trim the top and the remaining side as normal. Feed well and mulch in a dry season. The following season, prune the other side in much the same way and then lower the top if necessary, the following year.
It is important to start clipping some hedges at an early stage to prevent bare, leggy growth. Immediately after planting deciduous plants like Privet, Beech and Hawthorn trim to 15-30cms (6-12ins) from the ground. Trim their sides during the growing season to encourage dense growth.
A heavy fall of snow lying on top of a hedge can cause serious damage, especially on evergreen and conifer hedges as well as those with broad flat tops. Make sure the snow is brushed off as soon as possible to reduce unaccustomed weight.
It is best it lift woody pruning after trimming as they may attract fungal diseases such as coral spot if they are left to decay.
JOBS OF THE WEEK.
l Check roses for signs of Aphids and Blackspot and spray if necessary.
l If lawn weeds are a problem spray the entire lawn with a selective weedkiller and feed with a summer fertiliser.
l Pick and dry herbs for winter use.
