Flat hedges are quite easy to keep in shape. But what about tall hedges? We'll show you what to look out for with these.
What is planted as a small conifer can quickly become a lush hedge. This happens to the joy and chagrin of the hobby gardener. If you want to create a privacy hedge, you have to rely on the hedge climbing a certain height. Hedges often reach a height of four meters or more. Regular trimming measures are necessary so that the hedge not only literally grows over your head, but also retains an attractive appearance. With high hedges, this can be a real tour de force.
Why do high hedges have to be trimmed?
Hedges are often only cut superficially. You shorten the shoot tips with hedge trimmers so that the hedge keeps its shape. But there is also a lot going on inside a tall hedge. Over time, the previously thin shoots develop into stable branches that can no longer be trimmed with a simple hedge trimmer.
It can also happen that branches die off inside the hedge. This dead growth hinders the growth of fresh branches and can lead to bare spots in the hedge. In order for the hedge to be visually appealing, it needs pruning from time to time. If hedges are too high, this not only brings advantages. If structural changes are to be made, the high hedge can quickly get in the way. Hedge trimming can also be necessary in relation to traffic safety.
When can hedges be trimmed?
The best time to trim a tall hedge is between February and March. The Federal Nature Conservation Act recommends this procedure, since larger pruning measures are better tolerated by the plants if they have not yet sprouted.
Tip: High hedges are the preferred breeding grounds for birds and small mammals. Hedge trimming should therefore be done before the breeding season begins.
There should be no frost on the day of the hedge trimming. Mild but cloudy days are best. When the sun shines, it can happen that the cut edges burn and close poorly. On cold daysthe risk of breaking the branches is higher.
What do you need to trim a hedge?
Before trimming the hedge, you should have the following items ready:
- Ladder
- Hedge Shears
- Rose Scissors
- Pruning shears
- Piles
- cord
- Protective Clothing
To trim tall hedges from the outside, you will need a ladder. Ask a second person to provide assistance to ensure that the implement is in a safe position.
The hedge is trimmed with the hedge trimmer. This can become a strenuous job with larger and meter high hedges if a manual hedge trimmer is used. Electric or petrol hedge trimmers can make your work a lot easier.
Use rose shears to make the cuts inside the hedge. This will remove deadwood. You can also use pruning shears for thicker branches.
A taut string can serve as a guide for longer hedges and help to create straight cut edges.
So that you can work safely and effectively when trimming hedges, you should not do without the appropriate protective clothing. In addition to sturdy work gloves and sturdy shoes, safety goggles and hearing protection are also recommended when using electrical or petrol-powered tools.
Cut high hedges from the inside - this is how it's done
You can gain access to the inside of the high hedge and use the taut branches there as a ladder. Arm yourself with a saw or pruning shears and remove annoying, diseased and dead branches from inside the hedge.
Tip: A second person should be on site and keep an eye on the hedge from the outside. If the cut is made from the inside, holes can easily appear on the outside.
If thick branches are to be removed, do not act hastily, as the appearance of the hedge could be permanently damaged. Before removing the thick branch, push the branch up or down. From the outside you can then see whether the section of this piece of branch creates a hole.
The Height Section
If you want to avoid the ends of the trunk sticking out of the hedge after you have finished cutting, you should first carry out a vertical cut. The end pieces of the trunk are cut from the inside out. Do this in small steps until you reach the desired height.
Hint:When pruning, the outer edges of the foliage should always appear higher than the height of the inner trunk.
This allows the remaining leafy green to cover the ends of the thicker stems inside the hedge. You can then align the outer leaves in a straight line.
The Outer Cut
In the case of high hedges, make sure that you cut the outer green several times, always from the outside in. Before using the hedge trimmer, thicker branches and twigs should be trimmed with the pruning shears.
It is important to ensure that the thin, leafy branches cover the thick ends of the shortened branches. This can prevent the formation of unsightly holes.
Pruning high hedges from the outside - step by step
- Provide Ladder
- Plan Cut
- Put on hedge trimmers
- Guide the hedge trimmer from bottom to top
- Straighten top edge of hedge
- Shorten shoots that are too long afterwards with pruning shears
Tip: If you don't feel safe on the ladder, you can alternatively use a telescopic hedge trimmer.
When planning the hedge, the desired shape should be defined. As a rule, higher hedges are cut in such a way that the hedge tapers slightly towards the top. So you leave the hedge a little wider in the lower third and go deeper towards the top.
How to trim high hedges correctly?
Once the hedge has reached the desired height, the annual shoots can be cut back completely. The pruning measures are usually well tolerated. Further shortening is not a disadvantage either. Occasional rejuvenation makes the hedges more attractive and grows denser again.
You can choose whether the hedge should be cut straight or in a trapezoidal shape.
Pruning the hedge straight - this is how it works
If you just start cutting, it can quickly happen that the supposed sense of proportion deceives you and the hedge seems to be in an inclined position after the cut. To avoid this, look for a reference edge. The best way to work is with stakes that are attached at the appropriate height and tied with a cord.
Tip: Make sure to keep the hedge trimmer straight when cutting.
Don't cut the hedge in one go, do the job in stages. To be on the safe side, check the cutting pattern regularlyintervals and make appropriate corrections before continuing.
Cut the hedge into a trapezoid
Tall hedges tend to become bare over time. This happens when the lower branches of straight hedges get too little light and are practically covered by the shoots from the upper branches.
The trapezoidal shape of the hedge prevents this. If the hedge is wide at the bottom and narrow at the top, the light can penetrate all areas of the hedge.