How to Cut Hedges in the Fall

Avoid shaping hedges in the fall.

Hedges are rows of groomed shrubs or small trees that form a barrier or fence line. These hedges require regular maintenance to keep them in shape. Pruning shrubs takes place several times a year, but the fall pruning differs from other cuttings. Fall pruning strengthens the shrub through thinning. Do not prune evergreen shrubs in the fall unless they are riddled with disease. Pruning evergreens in the fall leaves them with sap-filled wounds that are more susceptible to disease.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears
• Branch loppers

Instructions

1. Cut away any diseased or infected branches of the hedge. Remove any signs of disease and burn the branches so the disease doesn't spread. This pruning method is hard on the shrubs but helps the plant overcome the disease.

2. Thin out the branches of deciduous hedges in mid- to late fall after the leaves drop off. The absence of leaves allows you to see into the bush so it is easier to identify which branches to thin out. Remove branches that are broken, rub on other branches or create a dense area in the shrub.

3. Prune flowering hedges only to remove dead or broken branches. By autumn, buds have already formed on early spring-flowering hedges, so pruning these shrubs heavily in the fall cuts down on next season's blooms. Pruning late-spring and summer-flowering shrubs in the fall often stimulates the shrub to produce new growth, expending valuable resources it needs to prepare for winter dormancy. The new growth is vulnerable to winter kill.

4. Remove one branch from narrow "V"-shaped branches -- called crotches -- of trees. These narrow "V" crotches are weaker than wider "V" crotches, especially during storms or heavy snow loads. Cut one side of the "V" 1 to 2 inches away from the main branch or trunk.

References

• Iowa State University Extension, Horticulture and Home Pest News; The Proper Time to Prune; Richard Jauron; February 2000
• Colorado State University Extension; Fall Pruning; James R. Feucht
• "The Pruning Book"; Lee Reich; January 2010
• "Illustrated Encyclopedia of Gardening -- Shrubs and Hedges"; American Horticultural Society; 1980