HEDGE TRIMMING

Well established hedges require trimming or gentle pruning to keep them dense and compact.

A formal hedge will require more frequent trimming than informal hedges.

We are experts in pruning the following hedges:  

FORMAL HEDGES

There is no need for the width of even vigorous hedges to exceed (2ft) if they are regularly trimmed.
A more formal hedge should be slightly tapered on both sides so that the base is wider than the top and light can reach the bottom of the hedge. This is known as cutting the hedge to a batter.

INFORMAL HEDGES
Pruning an informal hedge is much like pruning normal shrubs. 

SHRUBS

Small shrubs like lavender and heathers are generally short-lived and will need replacing after 10 years. These shrubs flower on new wood so it is best to prune them on an annual basis as this will improve the flowering and extend their lifetime.  It will also prevent them from becoming too woody

Large shrubs, such as rhododendrons, generally require very little pruning, except for the removal of unhealthy, dead, diseased and damaged shoots. Slow growing shrubs also require little or no regular pruning, except the removal of unhealthy shoots in mid-spring.

Formal shrubs can be gently pruned the same as hedges.

BEST TIME TO PRUNE SHRUBS

We generally prune most evergreen shrubs just before growth starts in mid-spring, after any risk of frost has passed. Pruning at this time will avoid frost damage to the new shoots, and any pruning scars will be concealed

by new growth. 

The following shrubs should be pruned immediately after flowering:

• Berberis, box (Buxus), Camellia, Ceanothus, Choisya, Daphne, Hypericum, Mahonia, Pieris, Azalea

SHRUB PROBLEMS

Look out for the following diseases:
bracket fungi, coral spot and verticillium wilt.

Non-flowering may be due to incorrect pruning during its lifetime.