Help the development of the site, sharing the article with friends!
High hedges are much more difficult to shape. To help you with the cut, you will find tips on tools and detailed instructions in this guide.
In a nutshell
- Cut in early spring
- Use electric hedge trimmers
- Telescopic poles for hard-to-reach places
- Chainsaw for very high and wide hedges
- Use string as a visual guide
cutting time
Before you start the actual cut, you have to wait for the right time. Since hedges are shrubs, the cut may only be made between October 1st and February 28th or 29th according to the specifications of the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG). The reason: During the spring and summer months, numerous animals use the trees as a nesting and resting place. Consequently, pruning measures over the spring and summer could disturb or even injure birds and other animals. Hedges should therefore be trimmed within the legally permitted period in February. The advantages:
- heavy cutting measures are better tolerated
- no new shoots yet
Even in the legally permitted period, you must make sure before the cut that the hedges are not inhabited.
In February you should choose a day with the following characteristics for the cut:
- dry
- cloudy
- not too cold (at least -5 C°)
tool tips
One of the most important things when trimming a tall hedge is having the right garden tool. In the case of tall trees, the use of a typical hedge trimmer is only marginally worthwhile. In the long run, the cut is simply too exhausting. The following tool tips will help you to select the right equipment:
01 The use of an electric hedge trimmer is excellent for actually all types of hedges. It is the all-purpose tool and is particularly suitable for the classic high hedges:
- Yew (Taxus baccata)
- Field maple (Acer campestre)
- Spruces (Picea abies)
- Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)
- Tree of Life (Thuja occidentalis)
Hornbeam hedge (Carpinus betulus)
02 If the hedge is extremely high and wide, you should use a telescopic pole for the hedge trimmer. With the utensil you can reach all corners of the trees for an exact cut.
03 Especially for hedges with thick branches such as beech trees (Fagus sylvatica), you have to switch to a chainsaw. This also applies to old or neglected specimens that are aged. This is necessary because electric hedge trimmers do not have enough power for a clean cut. It is best to use an easy-to-guide chainsaw with a telescopic handle.
04 If you are struggling with naturally grown hedges, you can use caterpillar shears. It helps with the initial shaping and can then be replaced by the other tools. Many wild hedges can be shortened in this way. If you make the cut immediately with hedge trimmers, you won't get a clean line.
05 Pruning shears or rosettes are ideal for removing individual shoots and branches. Usually these are protruding shoots or individual ones inside the hedge that cannot be cut off with hedge trimmers and chain saws.
Secateurs with whetstone
Attention: Only use disinfected and sharpened tools to reduce the risk of infection and injury when cutting.
More cutting tools
In addition to the pruning tool, there are other utensils that you need for trimming the hedge. They help to carry out the maintenance measure and ensure an exact result, which has a positive effect on the look and health of the hedge. The following list gives you an overview of the recommended cutting tools:
- ladder or stool
- bricklaying cord
- protective clothing
- safety goggles
- working gloves
- sturdy shoes
- rake
- optional: leaf blower
Notice: If electric scissors are used, ear protection or a noise protection helmet is also recommended to protect your hearing, and - for heavier specimens - the use of a shoulder strap.
Cutting a hedge: instructions
As soon as a suitable cutting time has been selected, you can start trimming the hedge. The following guide will guide you through each step:
01 To start, examine the hedge and get an idea of the height, width and shape. This way you can visualize the final cut in advance, which simplifies the whole procedure. Since high hedges have already reached the desired height in most cases, you do not have to shorten them too much. The cut ensures that the hedge keeps its shape.
02 Stretch the bricklaying cord at the desired final height along the entire length of the hedge. The cord lets you see exactly how much more you can cut before the wood gets too low. If you are aiming for a radical pruning, for example for a rejuvenation, you can start the cord at half the height, for example.
A taut line provides a good guide.
03 Now take the device of your choice and shorten the hedge parallel to the cord. Always cut in small increments so you don't remove too much at once. Stop just above the string. Then remove individual branches and shoots with secateurs.
04 Proceed in the same way for the hedge sides. Make sure that the wood has an attractive shape afterwards.
05 If you see unwanted shoots and branches inside the hedge, cut them off with classic pruning shears or rosettes. Take the time to thin out the hedge sufficiently to encourage new growth. The following shoots are removed:
- dried up
- sick
- dead
- canceled
06 Finally, dispose of the leftover cuttings. You collect the green waste with the rake and then dispose of it in a container or at the recycling center. Alternatively, you can chop small amounts and (depending on the type of leaf) store them in the compost or dispose of them in organic waste.
cuttings on the compost
Notice: Ideally, always cut high hedges in pairs. The additional check significantly reduces the risk of accidents and thus the risk of injury.
frequently asked Questions
Do high hedges always have to be cut straight?No. The trapezoidal cut is an alternative to the box cut, which is particularly suitable for a high hedge whose lower part does not get enough light. To do this, cut diagonally downwards from the top so that the upper shoots do not steal the lower sun. Depending on the location, this cut looks very decorative.
How can you avoid holes caused by a hedge trimming?Holes in hedges are created when larger parts of stronger shoots inside the trees are removed at once. To avoid this problem, push the appropriate branches up or down. A helping hand checks whether a hole can be seen from the outside. If so, trim the wood as carefully as possible to keep the hedge closed.
When should scaffolding be used for trimming hedges?Garden scaffolding is suitable for hedges that are in hard-to-reach places with uneven floors. The legs of the scaffolding can be adjusted to the ground conditions, which significantly increases safety when cutting. The cut is also made easier by the height adjustment.