Pruning your hedge at the wrong time will only damage it and achieve the opposite of a densely growing hedge.
Hedges need to be trimmed - no question. However, the hedge trimming has to be approached differently for the different hedges.
Deciduous shrubs that form a hedge, such as the hornbeam or the common beech and the evergreen privet, get their main pruning in winter before the dormancy begins. The second and less complex hedge trimming then takes place in summer. However, this should not be carried out before the beginning of August. Anyone who cuts their hedges before August sometimes endangers the breeding of the birds. Many birds choose hedgerows to build their nests.
Hedge trimming of conifers
Evergreen or coniferous trees must get their main pruning before they sprout in spring and be pruned vigorously in autumn. Another hedge cut is often not necessary for these hedges, because some of them grow very slowly, such as holly or yew. When pruning, it is important to ensure that new annual shoots are cut out so that as many remaining buds as possible are encouraged to sprout vigorously.
Right time for the hedge trimming
- Weather decides -
Not only the season, but also the weather conditions are an important criterion for your hedge trimming. A sunny day is ideal, but it must not be scorching hot either. This would damage the freshly cut shoots and dry them out. Hedge trimming is therefore best in the morning hours.
The main reason for trimming the hedge is that the branches branch well and thus form an optimal privacy screen. To ensure that coniferous trees do not become bare from below after the hedge has been cut, the hedge must not be cut back radically. Better put them in an attractive shape.