Your hedge is a beautiful part of your outdoor space, but it needs regular pruning to stay beautiful. As a homeowner, you may want to set up a regular hedge pruning schedule.
In this blog post, we will guide you through the best times to prune different types of hedges in Seattle’s climate. We’ll also offer valuable tips on hedge pruning techniques, including tools, cutting methods, and when to hire a professional arborist. Let’s dive in and learn how to keep your hedges looking immaculate.
The Best Times for Hedge Pruning in Seattle’s Climate
In Seattle’s climate, timing is crucial when it comes to hedge pruning. Each hedge species has its own growth pattern and response to the weather.
Many hedges should be pruned in the spring or early summer. Here are the pruning times we recommend for the most popular hedge varieties in the Puget Sound area.
English Laurel: Prune in late spring or early summer after the new growth has emerged. This timing helps your hedge recover quickly and maintain its shape throughout the growing season.
Leylandii Cyprus: Optimal pruning time is during late spring or early summer, once the new growth has developed. Avoid pruning during colder months, as Leylandii Cyprus is susceptible to frost damage.
Yew: Prune in early to mid-summer to encourage new growth and maintain a neat appearance. Avoid pruning late in the season, as it may interfere with winter hardening.
Emerald Green Arborvitae: Prune in early spring before new growth appears or during late summer. Don’t prune in the fall, as it may expose the hedge to winter damage.
Holly: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. This timing lets you shape the hedge and remove any damaged or diseased branches effectively.
Portuguese Laurel: Prune in late spring or early summer after the spring flush of growth. Avoid heavy pruning, as Portuguese Laurel can be sensitive to drastic cuts.
Hedge Pruning Tips
Proper pruning techniques help you keep your hedge healthy. Here are some essential hedge pruning tips to follow:
Use the Right Tools
Use sharp and clean pruning tools, such as hedge shears, hand pruners, and loppers. Dull or dirty tools can damage branches and introduce diseases.
If you see any signs of disease in your garden or landscape, you may want to disinfect your tools between pruning different plants to prevent the spread of pathogens.
Be Careful Where You Cut
Start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Next, shape the hedge by making cuts just above a healthy bud or lateral branch. Aim for a slight taper toward the top to allow sunlight to reach the lower branches.
It’s a good idea to make your hedge narrower at the top than the bottom. Hedges that grow wider on top tend to block out the sun to lower branches, which can give you bare stems at the base. Avoid cutting into old wood, as it may not produce new growth.
Consider Hiring a Professional Arborist
If you have tall or large hedges, intricate designs, or if you lack the time, expertise, or tools for pruning, we recommend hiring a professional arborist. An arborist will have the knowledge and specialized equipment for precise, effective pruning.
A well-pruned hedge gives you privacy and a beautiful outdoor space. By pruning your hedge at the right time and following the right techniques, you can keep your hedges neat, healthy, and strong.
If you need help with hedge pruning, Tree Harmony Arborists can help. Our team of experienced professional arborists will ensure your hedges receive the care they deserve, delivering impeccable results that will transform your landscape into a stunning oasis.
We help homeowners, property owners, businesses, and contractors with tree and hedge pruning throughout the Puget Sound area. Contact us today and experience the results of expert hedge pruning services.
