Advice on trimming

All hedges should be pruned at least 1 or 2 times a year. Never prune the hedge in direct sunlight, because the branches and leaves will burn as a result. The same applies for cold days around freezing point. The hedge trimmer should remain in the shed then, too. When you do prune, leave the bottom wider than the top of the hedge. This way, each piece gets enough sunlight.

Pruning conifers ensures a fuller and larger hedge. When you should prune conifers depends on the weather. The first pruning is between the end of May and the end of June, before the longest day of the year. The second pruning of the year is between August and September, before winter begins. Always leave green branches, because conifers don't grow from old wood. Conifers grow tall, so we recommend a telescopic hedge trimmer.

You have to prune the Portuguese laurel 1 or 2 times a year. The first pruning is in the spring, around March and April. The second time you have to prune the laurel hedge is in August or September. When pruning a Portuguese laurel, avoid cutting the leaves. This way, they stay beautiful and green for longer. You should prune the Portuguese laurel to the trunk when it becomes too large. The laurel will grow again on the bare branches.

You can prune a yew around April and again in August or September. You could prune this hedge more often, but the branches and leaves will grow closer together. Has the yew grown become too wild? Prune the yew down to the trunk. Don't worry, it'll grow and close again in a few years. When pruning a new yew, avoid the top. Let it grow to the desired height and only trim the sides.

You have to prune Privet regularly, because it grows quickly. When you have to prune the privet depends on the weather. Trim off the largest pieces or cut the privet into shape in the fall. Prune branches that are too large again around June. Does the privet hedge quickly develop protruding pieces? Prune the privet a third time between July and September.

You have to prune the laurel hedge twice a year. You can prune for the first time in the spring, between March and April. The second pruning is in August or September. Do you have a loose laurel bush? Use a shorter hedge trimmer so you won't cut through leaves. You should prune a wild laurel down to the wood, so it grows back neatly.

With only a suitable hedge trimmer at home, you are not yet ready to prune. Do not forget the safety accessories. Always use protective gloves in the garden, so that your skin does not get irritated by the garden waste. If you are going to prune thick branches or repair a hefty pruning loop with a motorized hedge trimmer, protect your eyes from flying garden waste. With the noisy hedge trimmers, hearing protection comes in handy.