If the green enclosure grows uncontrollably, it will eventually look unkempt and will also cast more and more shadows. By then, at the latest, a pruning is unavoidable. With our instructions, it is not difficult at all to professionally shape a high hedge.
With a high hedge, it depends on the right tool
When can a high hedge be shortened?
The optimal time for this care measure, in accordance with the Federal Nature Conservation Act, is February or March. The bushes are then not yet full of juice and can cope better with pruning measures. In addition, there are no birds nesting in the hedge that could disturb you with their work.
If the spring cut was missed, you can alternatively use hedge trimmers (€24.99) from October 1st.
The right course of action
With a tall hedge that has already reached the desired size, you can completely cut back the annual growth. It also does not harm the plants if you prune even further and rejuvenate the bushes in this way. On the contrary: the privacy screen grows nice and tight again.
The materials needed:
- Rose scissors: With these you can cut out dead wood on the inside and make small cosmetic corrections.
- Hedge trimmers: Hand hedge trimmers often require a lot of power, so electric or petrol hedge trimmers are recommended for tall hedges.
- Masonry cord and stakes: These serve as a guide.
- Protective clothing: Sturdy work gloves, safety goggles and possibly hearing protection are strongly recommended when trimming hedges.
Cut the hedge straight
- In order for the cut to be nice and precise, you should look for a reference edge that runs parallel to the hedge. This can be the edge of the lawn or a taut cord.
- Hold the hedge trimmer level when cutting to keep the cutting line clean.
- Review the sectional image again and again by stepping back a few steps and make corrections if necessary.
Cut tall hedges in a trapezoidal shape
High enclosures are often bare because the lower branches of a straight form do not get enough light due to the stronger budding of the upper branches. It is therefore advisable to design it in a trapezoidal shape that is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom. This shape allows light to enter all areas of the hedge.
tips
The pruning of a high hedge should always be done on a frost-free and cloudy day. In the cold, the branches would break more quickly; in sunshine, the sensitive covering tissue could burn and the interfaces heal poorly.