In
last week’s blog we explored the many functions of hedges. Crabapple LandscapeExperts can keep existing hedges looking their best for property managers and
Homeowner's Association committees. Decorative hedges enhance the proportion and appearance
of house and lawns, and are cost effective, long lasting and low maintenance
2 Types of Pruning
Formal shearing
Crabapple
recommends that only hedges with small-leaved plants be selected for formal
shearing because when they are sculpted with manual, electrical- or gas-powered
hedge shears to achieve a smooth surface, cuts made on small leaves are
unobtrusive.
A narrow
pyramid or upside-down “V” shape is ideal because this allows sunlight to reach
the lower branches. Lower branches won’t be shaded by upper ones and the hedge
will keep its leaves all the way down to the ground.
The hedge
should be proportionately tapered, with the base of a five-foot hedge about 2 ½
feet wide and tapering to about one foot at the top. Instead of a flat
tabletop, we keep the top of your hedge slightly rounded or pointed.
Informal
growth
On the other
hand, an informal hedge is often a row of shrubs closely planted next to each
other, but allowed to grow naturally. Branches are selectively removed with
hand clippers to maintain a desired height and width while allowing the natural
shape to dominate. These hedges are often wider and can include flowering
shrubs like Knockout Roses, Loropetalum or Potentilla.
Hedges can be
kept vigorous for years by annually or biennially thinning out one third to one
fourth of the oldest branches. This also keeps ornamental red or yellow winter
bark colorful. We use loppers to remove old wood at the base when we rejuvenate
your hedge every couple of years.
Time to Prune is Now!
Late spring
after the shrubs have hardened off this spring’s growth is a great time to
prune. Slow-growers that require only one shearing a year can be pruned in May
or June. Fast-growing shrubs can be trimmed up in mid to late July and finally
in early to mid September. Ask your Crabapple Rep about keeping your hedges
trim.
Photo credits thanks to ColoState.edu, CAES.UGA.edu and BuckinhamNurseries
To trim a hedge and get it straight, you will want to set up stakes and strings, to guide you. Essentially, you "outline" the shape that you want the hedge to take; then you simply stay within the bounds you have set up, as you trim.
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