table of contents
- Cut time
- Tool tips
- Further cutting utensils
- Trimming a hedge: instructions
- frequently asked Questions
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 tall and wide hedges
- Use string as a visual guide
Cut time
Before starting the actual cut, you have to wait for the right time. Since hedges are woody plants, the cut may be made according to the specifications of the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG) only between 1. October and 28. or 29. February. The reason: During the spring and summer months, numerous animals use the trees as nesting and resting places. Pruning measures over the spring and summer could consequently disturb or even injure birds and other animals. You should therefore cut hedges within the legally permitted period in February. The advantages:
- strong cutting measures are better coped with
- no new shoots yet
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 points when cutting a tall hedge is this 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 just too strenuous. The following tool tips will help you choose the right equipment:
01 The use of an electric hedge trimmer is excellent for practically all types of hedges. It is the all-purpose tool and is particularly suitable for classic high hedges:
- Yew tree (Taxus baccata)
- Field maple (Acer campestre)
- Spruce trees (Picea abies)
- Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)
- Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)
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 strong branches like European beech (Fagus sylvatica) you have to go to one chainsaw switch. This also applies to old or neglected specimens that have grown old. This is necessary because electric hedge trimmers do not have enough power for a clean cut. It is best to use an easy-to-use chainsaw with a telescopic rod.
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 a hedge trimmer, you will not get a clean line.
05 Garden or rose shears are ideal for removing individual shoots and branches. Usually these are protruding shoots or individual shoots inside the hedge that cannot be cut off with hedge trimmers and chainsaws.
Attention: Use only disinfected and sharpened Tools to reduce the risk of infection and injury when cutting.
Further cutting utensils
In addition to the cutting tool, there are other utensils that you need for cutting 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
- Mason's cord
- Protective clothing
- safety goggles
- working gloves
- sturdy shoes
- Rake
- optional: leaf blower
Note: If electric shears are used, ear protection is also recommended. Noise protection helmet to protect your hearing and - for heavier specimens - the use of a shoulder strap.
Trimming a hedge: instructions
Once a suitable cutting time has been selected, you can start cutting the hedge. The following instructions will guide you through the individual steps:
01 At the beginning, check 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 tall hedges have in most cases already reached the desired height, you do not need to shorten them too much. The cut ensures that the hedge keeps its shape.
02 Tension the mason's cord at the desired final height along the entire length of the hedge. Through the string you can see exactly how much you can still cut before the wood gets too low. If you are aiming for a radical cut back, for example to rejuvenate, you can place the cord at half the height, for example.
03 Now take the device of your choice and shorten the hedge parallel to the cord. Always cut in small steps so that 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 then has an appealing shape.
05 If you notice unwanted shoots and twigs inside the hedge, cut them off with classic garden or rose shears. Take the time to do this so that you clear the hedge sufficiently and thus encourage new growth. The following shoots are removed:
- dried up
- ill
- dead
- canceled
06 Finally, dispose of the cuttings. You collect the green cuttings with the rake and then dispose of them in a container or at the recycling center. Alternatively, you can use small amounts chop and (depending on the type of foliage) store on the compost or dispose of in organic waste.
Note: Ideally, always cut the high hedges with two people. The additional control significantly reduces the risk of accidents and thus the risk of injury.
frequently asked Questions
No. The trapezoidal cut is an alternative to the box cut, which is particularly suitable for a high hedge, the lower part of which does not get enough light. To do this, cut diagonally downwards from above so that the upper shoots do not steal the sun below. Depending on the location, this cut looks very decorative.
Holes in hedges occur when larger parts of stronger shoots inside the wood are removed all 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.
Garden scaffolding is suitable for hedges that are in hard-to-reach places with uneven floors. The legs of the scaffolding can be adapted to the nature of the ground, which significantly increases safety when cutting. The cut is also made easier by the height adjustment.