The majority of deciduous plants, particularly those with a naturally bushy, low-branching habit ought to be cut back by one third on planting, as should the evergreens box and shrubby honeysuckle. The very vigorous and upright growers, such as hawthorn and privet, can be cut back to 15 cm (6 in). The year after, all these varieties should be clipped lightly, and then cut back by one-third in their 2nd winter. Once the hedge has reached the ideal dimensions, trim it back annually to within 6 mm (1/2 in) of the old wood.
Leyland cypress along with other vigorous conifers are employed broadly as hedges. In most cases, cut only their side-shoots in the early years, leaving the leading shoots untouched. The most vigorous species might need shaping 2 or 3 times within the growing season. Once the leading (apical) shoots have attained the desired height, cut them level to make a flat-topped, wider-growing hedge.
The majority of flowering hedges blossom on last year's wood, and so can be trimmed back after flowering. Nevertheless, Japanese rose (Rosa rugosa) should be cut back hard in late winter or early spring. Fruiting hedges, such as pyracantha and cotoneaster, can be lightly trimmed either before or after flowering.
Close-leaved evergreen hedges, which do not permit light and rainwater to penetrate easily, are best trimmed to a batter; which is, slightly narrower at the top than bottom. Consequently light can reach the lower parts of the hedge, preventing browning and dropping of the leaves on lower branches.
It is very difficult to judge accurately by eye while you are shaping a hedge; it's only when you have finished that any mistakes become obvious. Strings attached to 4 posts or canes, one at each corner of the hedge and set at the height required, will provide a cutting line and help to manage a straight edge.
The majority of hedges are cut with shears or an electrical trimmer, although informal hedges and those with big evergreen leaves should, where practical, be pruned with secateurs to prevent unsightly damage to the leaves. You should always wear heavy-duty gloves and safety glasses while trimming evergreens.
Mains-powered hedge-trimmers must be used with care; they can be extremely dangerous if mishandled. Always use a 'residual current device' at the socket to reduce the danger of electrocution should you cut the cable. Try to use a hedgetrimmer with a blade stopping time of no more than half a second, and a two-handed switch, where the cutter is only going to work when both hands are on it. You can minimise the risk of a hand coming into contact with the blades by utilizing blade extensions. If you have a high and wide hedge you might need 60 cm (24 in) blades; otherwise, 40 cm (15 in) blades are going to be quite adequate.
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