The Ultimate Melbourne Hedge Trimming Calendar: When to Trim for the Best Results

Hedges provide structure for a garden, an attractive backdrop, privacy, shade and protection from the wind. If they are looked after properly, they will be an asset for any property but poor care can adversely affect them.

The key to a good hedge is keeping it properly trimmed. This is not only determined by how you do it but also when because trimming at the wrong time may not be good for the hedge.

When to Trim a Hedge

Your hedge will generally need trimming when it starts to look uneven and untidy with a poor shape and branches protruding. Leaving it too long between cuts means the hedge becomes harder to manage due to its height and branches becoming thicker and more difficult to cut.

Trimming can be undertaken at most times of the year, but the level of trim should vary between the seasons:

• Late winter is usually the best time for a major trim, when structural changes such as height reduction and reshaping can be made. Hedges tend to be dormant at this time so minimal stress is caused and pruning will encourage thicker foliage with strong new growth.
• Spring is the time when growth is greatest so trimming your hedge should only be light to prevent uneven growth and maintain a good shape.
• Summer should be light trims only to keep the plants tidy but should be avoided altogether during times of extreme heat.
• Autumn requires only a tidy up before winter since heavy pruning can stimulate new growth that will be damaged by cold winter weather.

Some hedge species require different treatment although the general principles still apply. Orange Jasmine, for example, is best pruned in late spring, then lightly during summer, to maintain flowers and restrain rapid growth, while Box should not be pruned in winter due to a sensitivity to cold weather.

Hedges that grow quickly may need a trim every 6-8 weeks while slow growers may need only an annual or six-monthly trim.

Why Proper Pruning is Essential

Correct trimming will improve the appearance, health and longevity of your hedge. It will promote stronger growth, avoid bare patches, prevent disease and keep your garden looking good.

When trimming your hedge:

• Always use tools that are clean and sharp, so you make clean cuts without tearing.
• Disinfect tools between cuts to avoid infection.
• Never cut a plant down by more than one-third since this will cause undue stress that will inhibit growth.
• Trim hedges so they are wider at the base to ensure light can penetrate to the lower branches.

Regular pruning at the right time will reduce future problems and make maintenance much easier. For small hedges, it is something that most people can handle.

If your hedge is very large, is too tall and out of control, or you simply feel it is something you cannot manage yourself, don’t despair. At A.P. Tree Management, we can restore your hedge to full health and keep it properly trimmed and in good order in the future. Just contact us for all your hedge and tree needs so you have something less to worry about.