Hedge Trimming — A Neat Hedge with Professional Skill

Regular hedge trimming is essential for maintaining a dense, even and beautiful hedge. An untrimmed hedge becomes sparse at the base, spreads uncontrollably and loses its neat appearance. A neglected hedge is also more susceptible to diseases and pests.

A properly trimmed hedge is dense and provides good privacy screening and wind protection. Trimming stimulates the growth of new shoots, keeping the hedge dense and uniform. Regular trimming keeps the hedge at a manageable size and prevents it from spreading beyond the property boundaries.

Hedge trimming is also important for good neighbourly relations. A hedge planted on the property boundary should be kept tidy and trimmed so that it does not grow onto the neighbour's side. A professionally maintained hedge is the calling card of your home and significantly enhances the pleasantness of the entire surroundings.

The timing of hedge trimming depends on the shrub species. Most deciduous hedges are trimmed after midsummer, when spring growth has settled. A second trim can be done in August–September before the end of the growing season. This gives the hedge time to grow slightly and cover the cut marks.

Evergreen hedges, such as arborvitae hedges, are trimmed once a year in June–July. Evergreen hedges must not be cut back to old wood, as they will not regrow beyond a bare branch point. A professional knows the trimming requirements of different species and can time the work correctly.

Flowering shrubs, such as lilac and shrub roses, are trimmed after flowering. Trimming too early removes flower buds and the following season's bloom will be poor. Correct timing is the key to achieving a beautiful and abundantly flowering hedge.

Shaping is the most common hedge trimming method. The hedge is cut to the desired shape and height. A good basic shape is slightly narrower at the top than at the bottom, which ensures that even the lowest branches receive sufficient light and the hedge remains dense at all heights.

Maintenance trimming is a lighter procedure where only new growth is cut and the hedge is kept at the desired size. Maintenance trimming is done 1–3 times during the growing season depending on the shrub species. Regular maintenance trimming is easier and faster than infrequent heavy cutting.

Rejuvenation pruning is performed on old hedges that have grown out of shape. Deciduous hedges can be cut back hard close to ground level, allowing them to regrow from the base. Evergreen hedges cannot be rejuvenated as aggressively, and their renewal often requires planting new specimens.

The price of hedge trimming depends on the length, height and condition of the hedge. Trimming a short hedge (under 10 m) starts from around €100. Longer hedges are typically priced per running metre, with metre prices varying between €5–15 depending on the size and species of the hedge.

Taller hedges require more work and possibly the use of ladders or scaffolding, which increases the price. Rejuvenation pruning is more expensive than standard maintenance trimming, as it requires more work and the volume of trimmings is greater than with normal cutting.

Disposal of trimmings is often a separate cost. When requesting a quote, ask whether waste handling is included in the price or charged separately. A regular maintenance agreement with a professional is often more cost-effective overall than individual one-off trimming orders.