A well-maintained garden with neatly trimmed hedges is the calling card of any home. But to do this job well, it's important to use the right tools. At Kraakman Garden Machinery, we're happy to help you with advice and the best hedge trimmers for your next pruning project!
When to prune?
Choosing the right time to prune your hedges and shrubs is crucial for healthy results. Generally, there are two main pruning periods for fast-growing hedges: spring, around late May or early June, and autumn, in September or October. These are the times when you can ensure your hedges stay in shape and continue to grow well.
Spring pruning
In spring, before the longest day of the year (June 21st), it's ideal to prune fast-growing hedges like privet, beech, hornbeam, cherry laurel, and conifers like yew. Boxwood, a popular topiary, can also be trimmed during this time. Pruning at this time of year encourages new growth and ensures your hedge or shrub remains dense and full.
Autumn pruning
September and October are another time to trim your hedges. This pruning ensures your hedges stay neat over the winter without overgrowing. By pruning your plants before winter, you minimize the risk of moisture loss and ensure they're strong enough to withstand the cold.
Which hedge trimmer is the best?
Choosing the right hedge trimmer depends on several factors, such as the size of your garden, the type of hedges and the type of pruning you want to do.
Battery hedge trimmers
Cordless hedge trimmers are ideal for small to medium-sized gardens. They're lightweight, cordless, and easy to use, making them perfect for pruning jobs that require a high degree of freedom of movement. They're also quiet and environmentally friendly, as they don't use fuel. For example, consider the Stihl HSA 30 , a powerful cordless hedge trimmer suitable for a variety of pruning tasks.
Electric hedge trimmers
Electric hedge trimmers are an excellent choice for medium-sized gardens. They offer more power than battery-powered models, but they are corded, meaning your freedom of movement is limited. For trimming medium-height hedges that need trimming several times a year, an electric hedge trimmer like the Stihl HSE 52 is a good option.
Petrol hedge trimmers
For large gardens and heavier pruning work, gasoline hedge trimmers are the best choice. These models are powerful and ideal for trimming thick, overgrown hedges or for long-term use. They are cordless, making them suitable for larger areas where there's no power supply nearby. The Stihl HS 45 is a popular gasoline hedge trimmer that's perfect for intensive use.
Safely pruning high hedges
Trimming tall hedges can be a challenging and sometimes even dangerous task. A sturdy ladder and long hedge trimmers are often necessary to reach the top of the hedge. But there are safer and more efficient ways to trim tall hedges.
Use a hedge trimmer on a pole
Apole hedge trimmer , such as the Stihl HLA 66 , is ideal for trimming tall hedges without needing a ladder. These hedge trimmers have a long handle that allows you to easily reach the top of your hedge while keeping both feet safely on the ground. This makes pruning not only safer but also more efficient, as you can trim larger sections of the hedge in a single pass.
Provide a stable work surface
If you must use a ladder to trim your hedge, make sure it's stable and that you always hold the hedge trimmer firmly with both hands. Using a telescopic handle can help you reach the required height without having to maneuver yourself into dangerous positions.
Pruning techniques for a neat result
Besides the right tools and safety, the right technique is also important for a neatly trimmed hedge. That's why we're happy to offer a few tips to ensure your hedges look beautiful and tidy after pruning:
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Start at the bottom : Always begin pruning at the bottom of the hedge and work your way up. This prevents pruning debris from falling onto the already pruned areas and ensures an even cut.
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Use a horizontal movement : For a neat top edge of your hedge, use the hedge trimmer blade horizontally. Trim evenly and always try to cut back slightly to the level of the previous pruning. This prevents the hedge from becoming wider at the top.
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Maintain your tools : After every pruning session, it's important to thoroughly clean and maintain your hedge trimmer. Use a specialized cleaning product to remove resin residue and ensure the blades remain sharp. This prevents you from having to work with dull blades in the future, which can make pruning harder and reduce the quality of the result.
Choose the right hedge trimmer for your pruning job
By pruning at the right time and using the right tools, you can keep your garden looking well-maintained all year round. At Kraakman Garden Machinery, you'll find a wide range of hedge trimmers . Whether you have a small city garden or a large, expansive garden, our experts are happy to help you choose the right tool.
