My parents just inherited a house, and there's a really tall hedge in the backyard that measures about 15-20 feet. They want it trimmed down by around 3 feet to make the yard look tidier. I've suggested that we hire a professional to handle this, but they're not keen on that idea. I'm worried that if my dad takes on the task, he might hurt himself or end up making a mess. So, I'm planning to do it myself. Are there any specific techniques I should follow, like whether to cut the main trunk lower and then trim the branches in a straight line to avoid an awkward look? Also, can anyone recommend good resources for hedge trimming techniques?
2 Answers
I get where you're coming from! If you're looking to make it look nicer without ruining the hedge, consider just cleaning up any stray branches instead of cutting it down significantly. For trimming, aim for a slight angle on the cuts to promote healthy regrowth. As for resources, check out gardening websites or YouTube channels focused on landscaping; they can offer great visual guides!
It sounds like you're dealing with arborvitae, which have a specific look that’s actually meant to stay tall. Topping them can really ruin their natural shape and lead to poor growth, so I wouldn’t recommend it. Instead, you might want to slightly trim down the sides to keep their shape but not take too much off the top. Also, make sure to use sharp tools for a clean cut!
So, just to clarify, they shouldn't be cut straight across the top? I thought that was how they looked best.
Thanks for the tips! I'll definitely look at some video tutorials before I start.