Hedge Trimming
About This Project
This project outlines the process for trimming hedges, including selecting the right tools, preparing the area, executing the trim, and post-trim cleanup and care.
Tools & Materials
Anvil 23 in. Hedge Shear GD220549
BLACK+DECKER 22 in. 4.0 Amp Corded Dual Action Electric Hedge Trimmer BEHT350
Shindaiwa 28 in. 21.2 cc Gas 2-Stroke Engine Hedge Trimmer DH235
US Wire and Cable Extreme 100 ft. 10/3 All Weather Extension Cord with Light Plug 90100EXT
BLACK+DECKER 12 AMP 250 MPH 400 CFM Corded Electric 3-In-1 Backpack Leaf Blower, Vacuum & Mulcher BEBL7000
TARPCO SAFETY 12 ft. x 16 ft. Green/Black 7 Mil Heavy Duty Polyethylene Tarp, Waterproof, UV Resistant, Rip and Tear Proof TS-203-12x16
Anvil 23 in. Hedge Shear GD220549
Anvil 23 in. Hedge Shear is ideal for cutting and shaping fresh growth hedges and shrubs. The ergonomic design with grooved grips allows for comfortable use in the landscape. The hardened steel blade provides for sharper cutting and extended durability.
BLACK+DECKER 22 in. 4.0 Amp Corded Dual Action Electric Hedge Trimmer BEHT350
Our 22 in. Electric Hedge Trimmer is ideal for cutting large hedges, shrubs, and bushes. Plus, with its lightweight design and full wrap-around handle, it offers greater comfort and control. Features a 2-Year Limited Warranty for added peace of mind.
Shindaiwa 28 in. 21.2 cc Gas 2-Stroke Engine Hedge Trimmer DH235
Shindaiwa's DH235 has 28 in. blades to sculpt and shape bushes and hedges into a great addition to a relaxing environment. Double-reciprocating RazorEdge blades are precision ground and laser cut for long-lasting sharpness. Nothing adds beauty to your lawn like a well trimmed hedge.
US Wire and Cable Extreme 100 ft. 10/3 All Weather Extension Cord with Light Plug 90100EXT
The EXTREME All-Weather extension cord is constructed of 100% TPE (thermo-plastic elastomer) compound which guarantees maximum flexibility in EXTREME temperatures. Tested in the harshest Alaskan weather
BLACK+DECKER 12 AMP 250 MPH 400 CFM Corded Electric 3-In-1 Backpack Leaf Blower, Vacuum & Mulcher BEBL7000
Conquer yard work with the easy to wear 3-in-1 VACPACK Leaf Blower, Vacuum and Mulcher. It dominates debris with up to 250 MPH of blowing velocity and powerful suction for picking up leaves and more. The POWERBOOST button provides extra power when needed and the zipper-free bag makes emptying quick and easy. Put the finishing touches on your landscaping with the 3-in-1 VACPACK and trade; that's perfect for clearing sidewalks, driveways and other hard surfaces after mowing, edging and trimming.
TARPCO SAFETY 12 ft. x 16 ft. Green/Black 7 Mil Heavy Duty Polyethylene Tarp, Waterproof, UV Resistant, Rip and Tear Proof TS-203-12x16
One tarp, endless possibilities. Tarpco Safety's multi-purpose tarpaulin cover is a must-have item for every household, thanks to its practicality and endless uses. For example, you can use this tarp sheet to cover your car. boat, pool, roof, or outdoor furniture. You can also use the tarp sheet to cover wood logs and building materials, as well as house floors when you want to paint the walls Let's not forget outdoor activities. This waterproof tarp can be used to build a canopy tent or you can use it as a ground blanket to keep your tent safe from sharp rocks and stones. Tarpco Safety has designed the ultimate weatherproof tarp cover. This heavy duty outdoor tarp sheet is built to cover and effectively protect small and large objects from all extreme weather conditions:Is it too sunny and warm outside? This tarp is UV resistant so the sun rays cannot get through it.Is it raining a lot? The protective tarp sheet is 100% waterproof so it will keep your wood logs dry and ready for use.Is it snowing? You can use the tarpaulin cover to keep your vehicle from getting buried under the snow.Is it windy? The heavy duty tarp with the 12 x 10 weave count and 100% virgin polyethylene will not tear or rip.Tying it down is going to be simple and easy. This polyethylene tarp sheet has metal grommets every 36 inches and reinforced edges. These grommets are ultra strong and they will help you tie down the waterproof canopy tarp easily and in a very steady and secure way.
Steps
Select Hedge Trimmers
5 minutesFor smaller, well-maintained hedges, manual hedge shears are suitable. For larger hedges or those with thicker branches, electric or gas-powered hedge trimmers will be more efficient. Consider the weight and balance of powered trimmers for ease of use.
Watch: Select the Right Hedge Shears
Prepare the Hedges and Surrounding Area
15 minutesRemove any fallen leaves, branches, or garden debris from the base and within the hedge to prevent them from interfering with the trimming process and to ensure a clean cut. Clear a safe working space around the hedge, removing any tripping hazards like hoses, tools, or garden ornaments. Inspect the hedge for any obstructions such as wires, fences, or irrigation heads that could damage the trimmers or cause injury.
Watch: Prepare the Hedge and Work Area
Establish the Desired Shape and Height
10 minutesVisualize or decide on the final shape of the hedge. For a formal, flat top, you can use a string line stretched taut between two stakes to guide your cut. For a natural, rounded shape, freehand trimming may suffice. For height, establish the desired level before you begin cutting.
Watch: Set Up String Line GuideBegin Trimming the Sides
45 minutesUsing your chosen trimmers, begin cutting the sides of the hedge. Work from the bottom upwards to allow freshly cut material to fall away cleanly, rather than accumulating on uncut areas. Maintain an even pressure and a consistent angle. For manual shears, use a smooth, scissoring motion. For powered trimmers, use a sweeping motion, overlapping your cuts slightly.
Watch: Trim the Sides of the HedgeTrim the Top of the Hedge
30 minutesOnce the sides are shaped, focus on the top. If you used a string line, trim along it. Use a sweeping motion, holding the trimmers level. For manual shears, a back-and-forth motion works well. Trim slightly more than you think you need to allow for natural settling and growth.
Watch: Trim the Hedge to a Rectangular Form
Final Inspection and Hedge Care
10 minutesStep back and view the hedge from various angles to ensure an even trim and desired shape. Trim any stray branches or missed spots. Water the hedge if conditions are dry, especially after a heavy trim, to help it recover and reduce stress. Apply mulch around the base if desired, to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Watch: Final Detailing and CleanupCommon Problems
Accidentally cutting the electric hedge trimmer's power cord during operation, which is a significant safety hazard.
Solution: Immediately stop trimming and unplug the trimmer from the power outlet. Do not touch the damaged cord while it is still plugged in. Carefully inspect the damage: if the outer insulation is only slightly nicked, you might be able to repair it with electrical tape, but it's safer to have it professionally inspected or replaced. If the internal wires are exposed or severed, the cord or trimmer needs to be replaced by a qualified technician or the unit discarded.
Prevention: Always drape the power cord over your shoulder opposite your dominant cutting hand. Keep the cord behind you and away from the cutting path. Use a brightly colored extension cord to make it more visible. Periodically check the cord's position as you move around the hedge.
Hedge trimmer blades are dull, sticky with sap, or damaged, causing them to tear leaves, jam on branches, or struggle to cut cleanly.
Solution: Unplug the trimmer (or turn off and cool down gas trimmers). Clean the blades thoroughly using a stiff brush and a resin cleaner or rubbing alcohol to remove sap and debris. For dull blades, sharpen them according to the manufacturer's instructions, often using a specific sharpening stone or file. Severely damaged or bent blades may need professional repair or replacement.
Prevention: Clean the trimmer blades after each use with a resin cleaner. Lightly oil the blades before storage to prevent rust and keep them smooth. Regularly inspect blades for sharpness and damage before starting any trimming.
Achieving an uneven, lumpy, or crooked hedge shape, or cutting too much off in one area (scalping) due to inconsistent cutting.
Solution: For minor unevenness, allow new growth and then carefully trim just the high spots to gradually even out the hedge. For severely scalped areas, it will take time for the hedge to regrow; ensure it receives adequate water and care. You might need to selectively prune surrounding areas to encourage more balanced growth.
Prevention: Before trimming, establish clear guide lines using mason's string and line levels for straight edges and consistent height. Step back frequently (every few feet) to assess your progress and make small, incremental cuts. Avoid trying to correct a large error by cutting more off; instead, work slowly and methodically.
Falling from a ladder while attempting to trim the top or high sides of a tall hedge due to instability or overreaching.
Solution: If you experience a fall, assess yourself for injuries immediately. Seek medical attention for any pain, bruising, or inability to move properly. Before resuming work, ensure your ladder is placed on a firm, level surface. Have someone spot you if possible. Re-evaluate if a safer method or a different type of ladder is needed.
Prevention: Always use a sturdy ladder rated for your weight and the job, ensuring all locks are engaged. Place the ladder on flat, stable ground. Never stand on the top two rungs. Keep your belt buckle between the ladder's side rails to avoid overreaching; instead, descend and reposition the ladder frequently.
Not having enough tarp coverage or placing the tarp incorrectly, leading to trimmings scattering across the lawn and making cleanup difficult.
Solution: Manually rake or use your leaf blower to gather all scattered trimmings. For future trimming, gather any additional tarps you have or purchase larger ones. Carefully reposition the tarps to fully cover the ground beneath and extending beyond the hedge's cutting area.
Prevention: Before starting, ensure you have a tarp (or multiple tarps) large enough to completely cover the area under the hedge and extend a few feet beyond its footprint. Lay the tarp flat and as close to the hedge base as possible to catch all falling debris.
Using the wrong type of hedge trimmer for the density or thickness of your hedge, resulting in damaged tools, rough cuts, or difficulty completing the job.
Solution: Stop immediately if your tool is struggling, jamming, or making rough cuts. Switch to the appropriate tool for the job: Use sharp manual hedge shears for precision work or cutting individual branches thicker than your electric trimmer can handle. Use a gas-powered hedge trimmer for very thick, mature, or dense hedges that electric trimmers struggle with.
Prevention: Assess your hedge before selecting tools. Electric trimmers (like the BLACK+DECKER 22 in. model) are good for lighter, newer growth. Gas trimmers (like the Shindaiwa 28 in.) are for thicker, more established hedges. Manual anvil shears (like the Anvil 23 in. or Husky 26 in. Extendable) are best for individual, thicker stems that are too tough for powered trimmers.
The hedge shows signs of stress (browning leaves, slow regrowth, or dieback) after trimming, often due to removing too much foliage or trimming at an inappropriate time.
Solution: Ensure the hedge receives adequate water, especially during dry periods. Avoid further trimming until the hedge shows significant signs of recovery and new healthy growth. For any visibly dead sections, prune them back to healthy wood to prevent disease spread. Research the specific plant's ideal trimming window for future cuts.
Prevention: Never remove more than one-third of the hedge's total foliage at one time. Trim during the plant's dormant period or at the recommended time for its species (usually after flowering for flowering shrubs, or late winter/early spring for evergreens). Avoid trimming during extreme heat, drought, or late in the fall when new growth would be vulnerable to winter frost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best type of hedge trimmer for a beginner, and when should I use each?
For beginners or smaller hedges, an electric trimmer like the BLACK+DECKER is often easier to handle, lighter, and quieter. Gas trimmers (e.g., Shindaiwa) offer more power and mobility for larger, thicker hedges. Manual hedge shears are excellent for precision work, shaping, or very light growth.
What are the essential safety precautions I need to take while trimming hedges?
Always wear safety glasses, thick gloves, and hearing protection, especially when using power tools. Be cautious of the extension cord if using an electric trimmer to avoid accidentally cutting it. Maintain stable footing and avoid overreaching to prevent falls.
How can I ensure my hedges are trimmed straight and evenly, especially if I'm new to this?
To achieve straight lines, use mason's string line and a line level (like MARSHALLTOWN) to set up clear guides for your desired height and width. Work slowly, trimming a little at a time, and frequently step back to assess your work from different angles. Don't try to make large cuts all at once.
What's the most efficient way to clean up all the hedge trimmings after I'm done?
Before you start trimming, lay a large tarp (e.g., TARPCO SAFETY) directly under and around the hedge to catch most of the debris. After trimming, simply gather the corners of the tarp to collect the clippings. A leaf blower (like the BLACK+DECKER) can then help clear any remaining small pieces.
How often should I trim my hedges, and what is the best time of year to do it?
The ideal frequency depends on the hedge type and desired growth, but generally, most hedges benefit from 1-3 trims per year. The best times are typically in early spring after the last frost, and again in late summer or early fall. Avoid heavy trimming late in the growing season, which can stimulate tender new growth susceptible to winter damage.
What common mistakes should a beginner avoid when trimming hedges?
A common mistake is trimming too much at once; always aim to take off less than you think you need, as you can always remove more. Avoid creating a 'V' shape, which can lead to sparse lower growth; instead, keep the top slightly narrower than the bottom to allow sunlight to reach all parts of the hedge. Also, ensure your tools are sharp for clean cuts.
