Hedge Trimming

Hedge trimming is an essential landscaping service for homeowners and businesses in British Columbia. Well-maintained hedges enhance the beauty of a property, improve curb appeal, and contribute to the overall health of your hedge. Regular trimming also helps control overgrowth, encourages dense and healthy foliage, and prevents hedges from encroaching on pathways, driveways, or neighbouring properties.

For areas like British Columbia, hedges are a wonderful way to enhance your outdoor space, offering both beauty and privacy! Whether you’re starting fresh with a new landscape design or simply refreshing your existing yard, hedges can add a touch of elegance while boosting your home’s curb appeal and value. However, as much as they bring charm, maintaining them—especially cedar hedges—can be a bit tricky.

If left unattended for just a few years, cedar hedges can quickly become overgrown, turning from an asset into a challenge. Once they reach this stage, trimming becomes limited. You can only cut back about 4 to 6 inches safely; beyond that, the hedge may need to stay at its larger size or even face removal. Overgrowth isn’t the only concern—cedar hedges are also prone to disease if infected branches aren’t promptly removed. Without enough sunlight reaching their inner sections, these hedges can begin to thin out, turn brown or yellow, lose their shape, or grow unevenly. In severe cases, it could take multiple trimmings over several years to restore them—if restoration is possible at all.

To ensure your hedge remains healthy and vibrant, regular care is key. For best results, aim to have your hedges trimmed once or twice annually. This simple routine can make all the difference in protecting your investment and keeping your outdoor space looking its finest. If you are busy, usually away from your home, or simply just do not have the luxury of time to do it, you can confidently turn to our trusted team of skilled professionals here in BC Mowing and More! and we will be more than happy to help!

Don’t let hedge maintenance slip through the cracks—stay ahead of the game and enjoy a lush, well-maintained yard year-round!

If you’re looking to keep your hedges in tip-top shape, timing and technique are key! For non-flowering hedges like Laurel and Cedar, we recommend trimming them twice a year. However, there’s an important distinction between the two. Cedars require a more delicate touch—trim only as much as necessary based on their growth rate, and never cut back more than 4 to 6 inches. Laurels, on the other hand, are much hardier and can handle more aggressive trimming if desired. While Laurels are forgiving, Cedars are more sensitive, especially during the hot summer months when stress from over-trimming can take its toll.

Here in British Columbia, where rain is plentiful and hedges like Cedars and Laurels grow quickly, staying on top of maintenance is essential. Regular trimming—at least twice a year—is often needed to preserve their shape and prevent overgrowth. Keep in mind that once Cedars become too large or lose their form, it’s nearly impossible to restore them to their original size and appearance. This makes consistent care all the more important.

Flowering hedges, on the other hand, require a different approach. These beauties should generally be trimmed just once a year, depending on their blooming cycle. If your flowering hedges bloom in the spring, wait until summer has passed and they’ve finished flowering before trimming. After all, why trim before they’ve had a chance to show off their vibrant blooms? For hedges that flower in the summer, aim to trim either in the fall after they’ve bloomed or in early spring as the growing season begins. Just be sure to avoid trimming right before they’re set to flower—it’s all about working with their natural rhythm.

By following these simple guidelines, you’ll ensure your hedges remain healthy, vibrant, and an asset to your outdoor space. And if you’d rather leave the work to the experts, our trusted team is here to help. With years of experience and a commitment to quality service, we’ll keep your hedges looking their best all year round. Don’t let hedge maintenance overwhelm you—let us take care of it for you!

Hedge trimming might seem like a simple task, but without the right equipment and experience, it can quickly become risky. In British Columbia, professionals use gas or electric trimmers with extendable arms to safely reach tricky areas—but even then, accidents can happen. If you’re considering trimming hedges yourself, be aware that handling sharp, high-powered equipment while balancing on a ladder should always be done with caution and safety should be your top priority. It is always wise to have someone by your side to steady the ladder and assist with tools when trimming your hedges. Keep a first aid kit nearby, and every time you set the trimmer down, make sure the blades are either collapsed or covered. It It is also a good idea when trimming your hedges to have someone close by in case an unexpected issue arises.

Once you have decided on the type of trimmer to use, it is time to start shaping up your hedges. To keep things tidy, lay a tarp under the hedge to catch the clippings. This makes cleanup a bit easier as you can simply gather the debris from the tarp and transfer it to your compost bin, saving you hours of raking.

When trimming hedges, precision is important. You will need to start from the bottom and gradually work your way up, tapering as you go. The trimmer’s blades do the cutting, so forcing the machine can lead to uneven results—or worse, cause you to lose control of the equipment.

Cedar hedges, in particular, require extra care. Cutting too deeply can cause irreversible damage, leaving large brown patches that won’t grow back. Professionals know to trim Cedar hedges no more than 4 to 6 inches at a time, carefully avoiding the hedge’s inner, dried-out foliage.

Be careful when trimming, if you go too far, there is no fixing it because over-trimmed sections will die. Regularly stepping back to check your work is crucial as it is easy to lose perspective while you’re focused on specific areas, and may end up with a lopsided hedge.

Clearing away debris after each pass is more important than you might think. Grab a rake or even your hand to gently sweep off any leftover bits from the hedge. This simple step not only helps you spot areas you might have missed with the trimmer but also prevents dead branches from lingering unnoticed. Those forgotten branches can lead to unsightly bare patches down the road, and rotting foliage can wreak havoc faster than you would expect. It is always better to catch these issues early rather than risk long-term hedge damage.

When it comes to shaping the top of your hedges, things can get tricky, especially if the hedges have grown tall. Smaller box hedges are manageable with basic tools since they’re usually on the shorter side. But larger varieties like Laurel or Cedar hedges which are common in British Columbia can quickly outgrow their intended purpose as a privacy screen if left unchecked. If your hedge is moderately tall, an adjustable trimmer might do the job, but for anything over 6 to 8 feet, it is wise to bring in a professional with the proper insurance to reduce your liability, and the right equipment and expertise to handle the height safely and efficiently. For DIY attempts, you can angle your trimmer at the top and move it back and forth to achieve the desired shape, but proceed with caution.

When hedge trimming, the key is to take your time and make deliberate, careful cuts. You can always do a hedge yourself, but if in doubt about your ability to do it right, remember that some jobs are best left to the experts who work safely with the proper insurance, and know how to protect your plants while achieving the look you want. After all, a well-maintained hedge is an investment in your property’s beauty and value!