How to Maintain a Dense Hedge Through Pruning

Evergreen shrubs make nice dense hedge when pruned properly. To create a more dense hedge, plant your shrubs in a slight zig zag pattern instead of a straight row. This allows you to fit more shrubs and make a fuller hedge while still allowing each plant to get plenty of sun and air. The most popular shrub choices for dense hedges are Boxwood and Yew.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Begin pruning at planting. Carefully cut off any dead or damaged branches and cut off branches that stick out from the overall height and shape of your hedge. Cut the branch with hand pruning shears at a bud or another branch. The direction that the bud or branch is facing is the direction of the new growth.

2. Prune your hedges frequently to encourage dense growth. Allow young hedge time to get to the desired height rather than letting them grow tall quickly by not pruning. Slower growth and frequent pruning is important if you desire a dense hedge.

3. Shape the sides of your hedges so the body is slightly wider than the top. This prevents the top branches from shading the lower ones. Round off or slope the top of your hedges if you live in an area where you get snow and ice in the winter. The rounded top makes it easier for the hedge to shed off snow.

4. Cut back your hedges in the early Spring and then again in late summer. When pruning, only cut back to new wood. Cutting back to old wood stunts the growth of the hedge and in some cases the old wood might not support new growth.

5. Trim off pieces of branches that grow out from the shape and height of your hedge in between prunings. You should also prune off any wood that gets damaged or diseased as it occurs.

Tips & Warnings

• Use pruning shears and manual hedge shears for small hedges. Use electric hedge shears for large hedges.