Having well-maintained hedges can add so much to your outdoor landscape. They complement other elements such as trees, gardens, and hardscapes. A good-looking hedge also helps to increase the curb appeal of your home, which also increases property value. You even can use hedges as a natural means of fencing, either as a boundary or for privacy. Your hedges can become an eyesore, however, if they are not properly trimmed. For you homeowners who have that do-it-yourself mentality, Promier Landscapes presents this guide to make hedge trimming a breeze.
Get the right tool for the job
Unless you are going to trim your hedges by hand, which can be quite time-consuming and lead to uneven cuts that can ruin the look of the hedge, invest in a hedge trimmer. There are three main varieties: gas-powered, battery-powered, and corded electric. It’s important to find the right trimmer based on the size of your hedge, where it is located, and what kind of money you want to spend.
Gas-powered trimmers are the most powerful and can cut almost any type of hedge branch no matter the thickness, but they also are the most expensive option and must be maintained in order to keep working. Corded electric trimmers are quieter, require minimal maintenance, and are much more affordable. Battery-powered trimmers are cordless, which means you can move freely around your property to make cuts as needed. Trimmers with a larger and more powerful battery will perform at a higher level, but these bigger batteries also are more expensive.
Safety should come first, always
It’s easy to learn how to use a hedge trimmer, but there is some risk involved.
Follow these safety tips anytime you are trimming your own hedges:
- Always keep both hands on the trimmer. Never attempt to hold a branch with your free hand while trying to cut it.
- Make sure your work area is free of obstacles, including any hoses and wires that may be hidden under or in the hedge.
- Keep pets and children clear of the area while you are trimming your hedges.
- Use the recommended safety equipment, including goggles, hearing protection, gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and close-toed shoes.
There’s an ideal time of day, and time of year, to trim your hedges
Try not to trim hedges in the early spring, as this can disturb birds that may have built nests inside the hedge. You also want to trim in the early morning or the late afternoon, especially as the weather becomes warmer. Trimming hedges during the heat of the day can cause sun scorching on the newly cut ends of any branches that have been trimmed.
Hedge maintenance in Johnson City
Keeping your hedges well maintained is crucial to the overall beauty and appeal of your yard, but what if you don’t have time to do it yourself? Promier Landscapes can help. We provide basic maintenance such as trimming, but we also offer professional services such as deep root fertilization, which will have your hedges looking great for years to come. To learn more about our yard maintenance services, contact our office at (423) 872-2988 to receive a consultation.
Promier Landscapes is proud to serve the landscaping needs of our customers in the areas of Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol in Tennessee.