How to Help Cedar Hedges Grow Thicker
Who doesn’t want a yard teaming with lush, thick cedar hedges? If you own these carefree conifers, you know how easy they are to maintain. But even the hardiest hedge needs a little help to bring out the bounty every now and then. Whether your cedar hedge is looking a little worn down or you would like to thicken your existing healthy plants, here are some handy tips on how to make your cedars fuller.
Trim Cedar Hedges to Encourage Growth
If you want your cedar hedge to grow full and even, be sure to trim it at the right time of year. By trimming new growth at the top of the plant in the spring, the growth hormones will be directed into existing areas, increasing the thickness in the summer.
To promote root growth, you can trim your hedges in the late fall or early winter. As temperatures rise, your shrubs will begin to grow leaves and buds. When this happens, you will want to trim your hedges to control the growth direction.
Whenever trimming hedges, it is important to ensure that the base of the plant is wider than the top. By doing so, the new growth won’t shade the lower part of the plant from the sun, helping to prevent hedges from thinning at the bottom.
Prune Your Cedars to Help Them Grow
Pruning will help you control the growth of your hedge. Overgrown branches should be trimmed back to maintain the beauty of your hedges. Otherwise, cedars can become unbalanced, leaving your hedges looking shabby and unruly.
You can use secateurs to target specific areas that need attention while leaving the rest of the shrub to grow naturally.
Pruning back leaves and branches will promote new growth in various directions, resulting in thicker and healthier plants.
Feed Your Cedars for Thicker Growth
Adding a balanced nutritional fertilizer to your hedge will encourage growth. Apply the fertilizer under the base of the hedge and spread it into the soil. Also, be sure to keep the cedars properly hydrated.
By mulching the ground around your hedges, you can also conserve moisture and prevent weed growth underneath.
Fill In the Gaps of Your Cedar Hedges
In some cases, your hedges may have holes that require more than just encouraging growth to fill in the sparse spaces. Depending on the damage, you may need to replace the plants. Be careful not to harm the neighbouring hedge when removing the shrubs.
Place the plant in a well-watered and fertilized hole and let it grow for a few years. In this way, the roots will grow strong, allowing the plant to fill in the gap.
Looking to create vibrant and hardy hedging for your property? Following the above advice will help your hedge to grow bushier, fuller, and thicker.
If you are having trouble turning your sparse plants into thick cedars, reach out to the pros at Fraser Valley Cedars.
