June: now's the time to trim your hedges
If you want your trees, shrubs, and perennials to grow and bloom beautifully, make sure to prune them at the right time of year. June, for example, is the perfect month to trim your hedges! Here's how.
Pruning your hedges in summer?
Yep! June is the perfect time for trimming hedges and shrubs. Not just the evergreen varieties like yew, boxwood, and cypress, but the deciduous ones like beech as well.
Ideally, you should tackle this task before June 21, the longest day of the year, because many plants experience a growth spurt around this time.
Keep in mind: we’re talking about regular annual maintenance here. If you’re planning major pruning projects or are completely reshaping your hedge, it’s best to do that in winter when the plant is dormant.
Use the right tools...
For branches no thicker than a pencil, pruning shears will do the trick. If the branches are thicker, using shears can be difficult and may result in a poor cut. In that case, it's better to switch to branch loppers.
It's best to remove dead branches with an anvil lopper. For higher branches, telescopic pruners are the way to go. If a branch is too thick to cut, use a pruning saw instead. Finish off any rough cuts with a sharp pruning knife for the best results.
...and a good hedge trimmer
For wide hedges, a powered hedge trimmer will make your life easier. Electric hedge trimmers provide plenty of power but require a power outlet, which can be limiting. If you prefer more freedom of movement, a battery-powered model is a great choice.
Take the Dual Power cordless hedge trimmer, for example. It can cut branches up to 18 mm thick. With a 20 V battery, you can trim for up to 30 minutes, while the 2x20 V battery extends that to 130 minutes.
Prevent serious injuries by always wearing protective gear, like safety goggles and work gloves. And never hold a branch with one hand while trying to cut it with a tool in the other.
Trim your hedge like a pro
Start trimming at the bottom of the hedge and work your way upward, moving the blades in a slow, steady motion. Don’t rush. Let the tool do the work. Avoid cutting too much at once. You don't want to remove too many branches. Instead, trim just a few centimeters at a time and repeat if needed.
To keep your hedge healthy, shape the base slightly wider than the top. This allows sunlight to reach the lower branches, keeping the entire hedge lush and green.
Finally, prune early in the morning, late in the afternoon, or on a cloudy day to prevent the sun from scorching the freshly cut branches.