A hedge is an alignment of shrubs, trees and shrubs, forming a fence which serves to limit or protect a field or garden. To maintain its aesthetic and neat appearance, it is important to prune it properly. This is to promote homogeneous and vigorous growth and obtain a dense hedge capable of protecting us from violent winds. On the other hand, it is strongly recommended not to trim the hedge before the end of July.
The hedge is a refuge for a good number of animals and birds. The League for the Protection of Birds recommends not trimming hedges from mid-March to the end of July, to preserve biodiversity.
Why is it not recommended to trim a hedge before the end of July?
It is strongly recommended not to trim or prune hedges from March 15 until the end of July. Indeed, during this period, several species of birds such as the European greenfinch, the blackbird, the chaffinch or the robin, build their nests in the hedges. Pruning during this nesting period could destroy the natural habitat of these birds and disturb the newly born chicks.
This is the right time to trim a hedge
The growth of the shrubs that make up the hedge is active during early spring and late summer or fall. It is advisable to wait until the end of these growth periods to prune the hedges. This way you can maintain the size and shape you have given to the shrubs for a long time. That said, remember to trim the hedges before March 15, and between September and October.
Avoid pruning hedges during frost, as this could prevent their growth and also damage their colors. If you choose to prune just after July 31, in the middle of summer, you will need to be careful that temperatures are not high. If these exceed 25°, refrain from doing so as this could cause stress in the shrubs. In summer, it is advisable to trim the hedge early in the morning or at the end of the day, when temperatures are milder. Also, avoid pruning the hedge in the event of prolonged drought because the shrubs are already on their reserves and will not support pruning.
How to properly trim a hedge?
To successfully trim the hedge, keep in mind that you must trim the entire length at the same time, to have a uniform shape. Also, trim your hedge from bottom to top . For hedges over 5 meters, it is recommended to use an electric or thermal hedge trimmer. Move your device up and down, making sure to keep it close to your body so that you don’t get tired quickly. Make sure that the base of the hedge is wider than the crown, so that all the shrubs can benefit from good light exposure. If all of the foliage is not well lit, the bottom of the hedge risks becoming bare.
When trimming low hedges, use shears so that your actions are more precise. Finally, for successful pruning, it is important to know which shrubs are suitable for hedges and which, therefore, tolerate pruning well. These include the flowering gooseberry, the strawberry tree, the camellia, and even the privet. Depending on your preferences, you can opt for shrubs with evergreen foliage for a green hedge all year round, or choose flowering shrubs to create a hedge that flowers according to the seasons.
That said, pruning a hedge is important in order to promote uniform and vigorous growth of the shrubs that compose it. However, pruning must be done outside of the birds’ nesting period, in order to protect their natural habitat.
