HOW TO TRIM A HEDGE

So you’ve got a hedge that could use a trim? Here’s how you can turn that scruffy shrub into the sweetest shrub on your street.

At STIHL SHOP, your locally owned specialist store, we understand the importance of maintaining your green boundaries with finesse. In this guide, we'll take you through the steps of how to trim your hedge to ensure it is looking the best.

So you’ve got a hedge that could use a trim? Here’s how you can turn that scruffy shrub into the sweetest shrub on your street.

STEP 1: WATCH OUT FOR HAZARDS

First thing’s first - clear the area and make sure there are no wires, large stones or garden hoses that could trip you up.

Before diving into hedge maintenance, ensure a safe environment. Inspect the area for potential hazards like loose branches, debris, or uneven ground. We, at STIHL SHOP, prioritize safety and advise removing any obstacles to create a secure workspace. This foundational step ensures a smooth trimming process without compromising your well-being.

STEP 1: WATCH OUT FOR HAZARDS

First thing’s first - clear the area and make sure there are no wires, large stones or garden hoses that could trip you up.

STEP 2: DECIDE HOW MUCH OF YOUR HEDGE YOU WANT TO TRIM

Understanding the desired shape and size is crucial. Begin by assessing the overall structure of your hedge. Consider its natural form and decide on the amount you want to trim. This thoughtful approach ensures that your hedge not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also promotes healthy growth.

Pro tip: never take off more than a third from the top of your hedge. And to achieve a perfectly straight line, use a string stretched between two points to guide your cut. Just make sure to cut a few cm above the string.

STEP 2: DECIDE HOW MUCH OF YOUR HEDGE YOU WANT TO TRIM

STEP 3: TRIM HEDGE SIDES

Now, let's focus on the sides of your hedge. Start at the base and make large, sweeping cuts in an upward motion, always walking forwards. When you’re trimming inwards where it’s harder to see, use smaller, slightly angled sweeping cuts so you don’t accidentally cut a main trunk.

Utilise quality hedge trimmers available at STIHL SHOP to achieve clean, precise cuts. Work methodically from bottom to top, using steady, controlled motions. Our locally owned stores across New Zealand offer a range of hedge trimmers designed for both efficiency and ease of use.

STEP 3: TRIM HEDGE SIDES

STEP 4: TRIM THE TOP OF YOUR HEDGE

The top of your hedge demands special attention. Achieve a level and even finish by using a guiding string or a carefully measured guide. This step ensures that your hedge not only looks professionally maintained but also receives adequate sunlight, promoting lush growth.

Have a tall hedge? A ladder will actually slow you down. Instead, a much better and safer option is an easily adjustable Long-Reach or Pole Hedge Trimmer. Just make sure to tilt the blades 10 degrees towards the direction you’re cutting to achieve the best cut.

STEP 4: TRIM THE TOP OF YOUR HEDGE

STEP 5: STEP BACK & CHECK YOUR ANGLES

Throughout the job, be sure to step back and check your angles. And while you’re at it, admire your good work, too.

As you conclude the trimming process, take a moment to step back and assess your work from different angles. This final inspection ensures uniformity and identifies any areas that may require additional attention. At STIHL SHOP, our commitment to excellence goes beyond selling tools; we empower you with knowledge to achieve impeccable results. Step back, appreciate your well-maintained hedge, and bask in the satisfaction of a job done with precision.

Sap can build up and bind the blades, so a liberal spray of STIHL Superclean to both sides will keep your trimmer in top shape - ready for next time.

In the world of gardening and landscaping, STIHL SHOP stands as a beacon of expertise. Trim hedges with confidence, knowing that STIHL SHOP is here to guide you at every step.

Take the next step in perfecting your hedge maintenance – shop for high-quality hedge trimmers at STIHL SHOP. Elevate your gardening experience with tools that match the commitment and dedication you bring to your hedge care. Visit our website and explore the range of specialist equipment designed to transform your landscaping endeavours. Your hedge deserves the best, and at STIHL SHOP, we deliver nothing less.

STEP 5: STEP BACK & CHECK YOUR ANGLES

Throughout the job, be sure to step back and check your angles. And while you’re at it, admire your good work, too.

Sap can build up and bind the blades, so a liberal spray of STIHL Superclean to both sides will keep your trimmer in top shape - ready for next time.

In the world of gardening and landscaping, STIHL SHOP stands as a beacon of expertise. Trim hedges with confidence, knowing that STIHL SHOP is here to guide you at every step.