Hedge trimming

Discussion in 'NEW Gardeners !' started by Wormzzz, Jun 4, 2015.

  1. Wormzzz

    Wormzzz Apprentice Gardener

    Joined:
    Dec 7, 2011
    Messages:
    11
    Location:
    London, UK
    Ratings:
    +0
    Dear doyens of topiary,

    I have a large hedge between me and my neighbours. When I moved in it was perfectly square and I'd like to try and keep it that way.

    It's also a bit thicker on my side though (see 3rd pic), so I'd like to trim it back to make it equal.

    However, I also don't want to wreck/kill it.

    Any tips? Is there a time of year to do this/not do this?
    Should I thin it a little at a time, or go hell for leather?

    Thanks!
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Joolz

    Joolz Gardener

    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2010
    Messages:
    470
    Location:
    Shropshire.
    Ratings:
    +884
    Arrgh.. If that's Leylandii hedge, make sure you don't cut it back to brown wood, it won't regrow otherwise. I have a Leyandii hedge, and unfortunately it was cut back rather too harshly c couple of years ago, and now it's just brown on one part of it. Prob best to leave it until Autumn now too, as you'll possibly have birds nesting in it. I'd just trim it a little at a time.
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
    • mr c

      mr c Gardener

      Joined:
      Apr 14, 2014
      Messages:
      123
      Gender:
      Male
      Occupation:
      joiner
      Location:
      N E Scotland
      Ratings:
      +232
      Did hear the month to trim has to start with an A and yep that type of hedge won't regrow from brown
       
      • Friendly Friendly x 1
      • WeeTam

        WeeTam Total Gardener

        Joined:
        Mar 9, 2015
        Messages:
        2,362
        Gender:
        Male
        Ratings:
        +5,078
        Give it a feed and when its dry give it a good watering. Many died around me in 2010 when the ground was frozen for weeks and they ran dry as a result.
         
      • Wormzzz

        Wormzzz Apprentice Gardener

        Joined:
        Dec 7, 2011
        Messages:
        11
        Location:
        London, UK
        Ratings:
        +0
        Thanks for the tips guys, will give it a couple of months then.

        It is a little bit brown on one corner. Is there no way of encouraging new growth?
         
      • Joolz

        Joolz Gardener

        Joined:
        Jul 27, 2010
        Messages:
        470
        Location:
        Shropshire.
        Ratings:
        +884
        I've not managed to get mine to re-grow, so I don't think so unfortunatly. There's about 5 meters of mine that is brown on one side, thankfully it's only seen in the garden, and not from the lane, so it's only me who can see how horrid it looks.
        So cross. I wasn't home when it was being cut, and they went way to far inwards. I'm hoping to grow another hedge over a couple of years from small plugs, and when they're big enough, out it will come! It's a nightmare really, and not a hedge I'd choose to have.
         
      • Bilbo675

        Bilbo675 Total Gardener

        Joined:
        Mar 15, 2011
        Messages:
        4,495
        Gender:
        Male
        Occupation:
        Gardener & Plant Sales
        Location:
        South Derbyshire
        Ratings:
        +6,654
        I have a Leylandii hedge that was planted by the previous owners, they're not the most loved of trees but mine is a necessary evil as its an excellent windbreak for us and protects our back garden from prevailing winds.

        Last year though it wasn't looking too happy and I don't want to lose it so I took the decision to empty an entire bucket of chicken pellets around its base and gave it a right good soaking. Now a few weeks later its looking fantastic, covered in fresh growth :)

        I only trim it once a year and that is at the end of August or early September :)
         
        • Like Like x 1
        • Informative Informative x 1
        • utopiacraig

          utopiacraig Apprentice Gardener

          Joined:
          Mar 17, 2013
          Messages:
          13
          Gender:
          Male
          Occupation:
          mortgage Adviser and Gardener
          Location:
          Worksop, Nottinghamshire
          Ratings:
          +9
          most people advise 2 trims a year but mine gets a single trim end of September/ October and is looking fine. If its chopped into the brown it wont regrow. I know its cheating but i have seen them sprayed with green paint to help to blend it in, i think it was wood protector like cuprinol.
           
        Loading...

        Share This Page

        1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
          By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
          Dismiss Notice