Whether your hedges are outrageously overrun or in need of a little sprucing up, Fraser Valley Cedars has you covered. Routine maintenance is vital for healthy and beautiful hedges. But for all the newbies out there, understanding how to properly trim cedar hedges might be a little confusing. Let’s take a closer look at the best ways to prune your cedars like a pro.
When is the best time to trim cedar hedges?
Knowing when to trim your cedar hedges is just as important as how. We all want lush, stunning hedges, so you will want to trim your cedars at specific times of the year. For optimal results, prune the hedges in early to late June. You can also trim your cedars right up until early September, but it might be more challenging to differentiate newer growth from older growth during this time of year.
Should I trim cedar hedges in the fall?
Even if the weather is warm in the fall, you will want to avoid trimming cedar hedges after the summer months. When the autumn season starts, cedars prepare for winter by transferring their energy to the roots. During this time, it can be harder for your hedges to heal from trimming, leaving your cedars predisposed to damage and disease.
How much should I trim cedar hedges?
When it comes time to trimming your cedar hedges, you will want to get a handle on how much to remove. Using a manual or motorized hedge trimmer, trim off one third to two thirds of the length of the current year’s new growth. But if you have young cedars, you won’t have to trim as much. Once they reach the optimal height, you can trim your hedges yearly.
What is the ideal shape for a cedar hedge?
Most of us imagine square-cut options when we think of hedges. While this might be the reality for many landscapes, the best shapes are conical. Trimming your hedges slightly wider at the base will not only give your cedars greater access to sunshine, but also prevent damage from snowfalls.
How can I protect cedar hedges in the winter?
Winter can wreak havoc on cedar hedges. Taking some proactive steps will help protect your cedars during the colder months. The weight of snow can cause branches to bend, crack, and break. So, make sure to remove precipitation buildup after snowfalls. De-icing salt can harm hedges, so wrap your cedars to prevent damage.
Trimming your cedars will go a long way to keeping hedges beautiful and healthy for generations to come. If you have any questions on how to trim cedar hedges, contact Fraser Valley Cedars.