Maintaining hedges is an essential practice for a well-manicured garden. As a leading tree surgeon in Bournemouth, we are frequently asked what the best possible time of the year is to get your hedges trimmed. Today, we will answer this big question with our first-hand experience and objective facts. Proper timing plays a crucial role in promoting healthy growth and maintaining the aesthetics of your hedges. Here, we will explore the ideal time frames for hedge trimming and discuss what factors we need to consider to streamline the practice of hedge trimming.

The correct times to trim your hedges

Trimming hedges at the right time is paramount to boost your gardens’ and greeneries’ health and vitality. For this purpose, you need to comprehensively understand the growth patterns of different hedge species. This is how a tree surgeon can help determine the most appropriate time for trimming.

  • Early Spring

Early spring could be the ideal time to trim your hedges. When the dormant period ends and the new growth begins to sprout, this season offers the perfect timing and opportunity to shape your hedges. Trimming in early spring facilitates healthy growth while helping maintain the hedges’ natural form.

  • Late Spring to Early Summer

This time is recommended for fast-growing hedge species such as Leyland cypress or privet. Trimming during this period keeps their growth in check and ensures they don’t become overgrown. It is pivotal to balance controlling growth and preserving the aesthetic appeal of your hedges.

  • On summer

Though some trimming can be done in the summer, It can be challenging to do so during hot and dry spells. We strongly advise against heavy trimming in summer. You should best focus on light pruning over heavy trimming. Summer could be a good window for removing dead or diseased branches. It is also an opportune time for shaping the hedge without causing excessive stress.

  • Early Autumn 

Early autumn is an excellent time for tidying up your hedges before the colder months. A thorough trimming during this period can help ensure that your hedges are in a suitable condition to withstand the winter. Removing any dead or damaged branches can, on the other hand, also prevent the spread of disease and infestations during the colder seasons.

These are the primary timelines in the year when it is best advisable to trim the hedges. You should keep the late autumn to winter for minor maintenance tasks such as removing untidy branches. If you are looking for a hedge trimming service around the year, contact Arbor Vitae Tree Care. As the leading tree surgeon in Bournemouth, we are willing to help you with all kinds of tree and garden-related services.