With all the summer rain, the contrast between well-maintained and overgrown hedges becomes apparent rather quickly. And, in truth, a perfectly trimmed hedge does more than define boundaries—it demonstrates a sense of order and expert care that elevates your entire landscape.
“The clean lines and healthy growth patterns of a hedge not only improve the aesthetics of your garden but also suggest meticulous upkeep,” says Timothy Isabirye, Marketing Manager for Husqvarna South Africa. On the other hand, overgrown, uneven hedges can make even the most beautifully laid out grounds appear neglected and untidy.”
He adds that trimming hedges doesn’t have to be daunting, even for beginners. “With the right tools, some technique and a regular routine, achieving a well-maintained hedge is easier than you think—and the results are worth it.”
Isabirye outlines some hedge trimming guidelines for a healthy hedge that exudes that professional, polished look.
Timing and Frequency:
• For fast-growing varieties like Privet or Leylandii, trim your hedge every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. These hedges thrive in South Africa’s warmer climates and benefit from regular trimming to control their rapid growth and maintain a neat appearance.
• For slower-growing hedges like Boxwood or indigenous options such as Syzygium and Sceletium, trimming twice a year should suffice. These hedges are well-suited to milder climates and require less frequent attention, allowing them to maintain their shape without needing constant upkeep.
• The best time to trim your hedge is just before the growing season begins to promote healthy growth, or after it’s finished blooming to ensure it’s not damaged by new growth.
• Schedule major trimming for late summer and late winter to avoid bird nesting periods (March and July are ideal as they also leave enough time for recovery in between).
Equipment and Safety
• Wearing protective gear is critical so always use ear protection such as ear muffs, safety glasses and gloves.
• Always check tools for damage or wear to reduce the risk of malfunction during use.
• Schedule blade sharpening after every 50 hours of use.
• Choose the correct tools based on the branch thickness.
• Use pole saws or extended-reach tools for heights above chest level.
Technique:
• Cut back in stages to prevent shock to the plant, allowing it to recover gradually and reducing the risk of stressing the hedge.
• Always operate trimmers with both hands to maintain control and stability.
• Use upward sweeping motions for safer operation and better control.
• Begin with the sides on chest-height hedges, then trim the top to maintain balance and avoid unnecessary strain.
• Maintain a consistent cutting angle for a professional appearance.
• Remove small amounts with each pass for cleaner cuts and less strain on the plant and your equipment.
• Reduce overgrown hedges to a height of 1-1.2 meters to stimulate new growth and encourage healthy regrowth.
• Follow the 20/30 rule– maximum 20% removal per session, no more than 30% removal per season to avoid over-pruning and ensure the health of the hedge.
Additional Tips
• Trimming on a cloudy day or the early morning/evening is preferable in summer to avoid scorching the freshly cut edges.
• Inspect hedges for wildlife (like nesting birds), before starting.
• Clean equipment thoroughly between jobs.
• Document trimming dates and growth patterns for optimal maintenance scheduling.
• Get Creative – trimmers offer the precision needed to shape hedges into unique works of art, from geometric designs to imaginative figures, adding a personal touch to your garden.
“These guidelines represent best practices developed through years of dealing with professional landscapers,” says Isabirye. “Following them helps ensure both hedge health and professional results. However, professional results require professional tools. So, whether you need battery-powered equipment for noise-sensitive areas or traditional petrol tools for heavy-duty work, the right equipment will make all the difference in achieving the best results safely and efficiently,” he concludes.
For more information on Husqvarna’s Hedge Trimmers, go to: https://www.husqvarna.com/za/hedge-trimmers/