How do I prune a hedge?

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Pruning the hedge: how to master it perfectly


In our articles you can read how to best prune a hedge. We also give useful tips for different plant sizes and shapes.




Overview: Pruning the hedge


  • Hedges that flower in spring should only be pruned after flowering.
  • If you want to lightly prune the shape in the summer (March to September) first check whether there are any bird nests in the hedge.
  • From October 1st a larger size will also be possible.
  • Cut back new shoots by one third
  • Hedge trimmerfor chest-high hedgeshedge trimmer on handlefor high hedges
  • Prune large and small shrubs to give them graceful shapes


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When can you prune the hedge?

In principle hedges are best trimmed from November to February. Light maintenance of the hedge is possible all year round but make sure that no animals nest in the hedge.

When is the best time to prune a hedge?

The ideal time to prune a hedge is in the spring. You should do the actual pruning just before the hedge forms new shoots. Take into account local legal requirements and check that no birds are nesting in the hedge.


What weather is best for pruning a hedge?

Mild weather is required for hedge trimming. A cloudy frost-free day is ideal to start. On the other hand too much sun or heat can cause freshly cut surfaces to dry out and die. The same applies to frost because under these conditions cut surfaces heal slowly and become brittle.


Can your neighbors demand that you trim your hedge?

Whether neighbours can demand that hedges be trimmed is a legal issue that is not regulated in the same way everywhere in the country. The distances to the plot boundary and the height of the hedge are subject to provincial legal regulations. It is best to ask your municipality to what extent neighbours can demand that hedges be trimmed and how this is specifically organised between neighbours.


How high can my hedge grow?

The height of a hedge depends on the location. In most municipalities the limit is two meters. Therefore inquire with your municipality to prevent possible conflicts with the government.

How often should I prune my hedge?



How often should I prune my hedge?

How often you need to prune your hedge depends on the plants growing in it.


At least once a year: yew prickly cherry cherry laurel false cypress old thuja

At least twice a year: privet hornbeam field maple red beech young thuja (after the first year)


Hedges should be pruned about twice a year for healthy growth and a lasting beautiful shape.


The so-called spring pruning takes place in the spring until the beginning of March. This means that the hedge is carefully pruned and shaped.


In the summer it is important to keep the hedge in good condition: if irregularities in the leaf growth become visible these must be compensated. You prune the annual growth back by more than two-thirds and remove difficult and irregular shoots.


If necessary you can also prune the hedge additionally from 1 October in the autumn.

Correct hedge pruning: overview of hedge types


Beware of poisonous hedges

Some shrubs and hedges are poisonous. Because the seeds of the bright red yew are extremely poisonous this tree is not suitable for households with young children or pets.


You can only use cut shoots of laurel cherry thuja and cypress withgloves.


Be careful with privet and boxwood too so make sure you wear suitable protective clothing when pruning and maintaining your hedge.

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You can prune the hedge from the second year onwards.

Pruning and trimming young hedge plants


After planting a hedge it is important not to prune it at first. In the second year the young hedge can be pruned and shaped to the desired shape. The core growth must remain intact until the hedge has reached the desired height. All other shoots are halved.

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The tight drawstring makes it easy to determine the correct size.

The correct method for pruning hedges


Cut back the one-year-old side shoots by two-thirds and allow the main shoots to grow to the desired height.


For a shapeless hedge or ahedge with holesOnly radical pruning can provide a solution. But beware: conifers no longer form shoots if they are pruned back to the edge of the forest. Even with regular maintenance it is therefore not necessary to prune the old wood of conifers. Only the yew tree is resistant to radical pruning.

Technique for pruning medium-high hedges with hedge trimmers



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Trim the sides using arcing movements.


Perpendicular lateral dimension of hedges:Prune the hedge using arcing movements first cutting both sides of the blades vertically along the side.

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Find a suitable angle to trim the top.


Hedge pruning at the top:When pruning the crown the pruning knife is guided horizontally at an angle of 0 to 10 degrees. Remove the pruning waste from the hedge with semicircular movements.

Pruning a hedge into a trapezoid shape


In hedges the trapezoidal shape – wide at the bottom and narrow at the top – prevents the lower branches from becoming bare because all shoots get enough light. In addition the snow load in winter is reduced because less snow accumulates and the snow can also fall better.

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A model specifies the desired shape.


The right size


Some gardeners strive to give shrubs and hedges a beautiful shape. Make the right shape using a cardboard template or stretched string.


Protect Yourself from Prying Eyes: How to Correct Your Beauty Flaws


There is often a simple solution to the aesthetic shortcomings of the hedge: lots of light. Small spaces will quickly close if they get enough sunlight. Therefore remove adjacent branches or other shadow-casting elements to create sufficient light in the open space. Caution is advised with thuja hedges because they do not tolerate deep cuts in the wood.


Remove larger gaps by dragging adjacent shoots across the open space with a stick or bamboo pole. Always tie the shoots of the hedge loosely to the pole.


After pruning the hedge don't forget to:throw away the cuttingsIf residues are left on the lawn lawn growth will be hampered and bald spots may appear.


It is best to sweep up the grass clippings with a broom or remove them with a cordless leaf blower such as theSTIHL BGA-57. You can also choose to use a piece of cloth such as old bedding to catch the pruning waste when you prune the hedge. Especially for hedges with very small leaves such as boxwood this saves a lot of work because the pruning waste can be easily collected and removed.

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High and wide hedges are no problem for a pole hedge trimmer.

Hedge trimmer on pole


With a STIHL pole hedge trimmer you can also trim particularly high long or extra wide hedges. The optimum angle can be easily adjusted thanks to the cutting bar that can be rotated up to 145 degrees.


Hedge trimmers on poles are suitable for both the professional gardener and the demanding private user.

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Hedge trimmers are ideal for hedges that reach approximately hip height.

Hedge trimmers


STIHL hedge trimmers are specially developed for the energy-saving and demanding maintenance of dense and particularly long hedges.


The double-sided pruning blade cuts precisely in both horizontal and vertical positions. For hedges that reach waist or chest height you will benefit most from a STIHL hedge trimmer.

Cordless hedge trimmers


The STIHL cordless hedge trimmers in the 36 V class make less noise when trimming hedges and impress with their powerful high-quality lithium-ion batteries.

Electric hedge trimmers


STIHL electric hedge trimmers stand for precise cutting comfortable operation optimum blade geometry and smooth powerful running.

Petrol hedge trimmers


STIHL petrol hedge trimmers are powerful tools for large areas and for professional maintenance of parks and landscapes.

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Fertilize the hedge


For healthy growth and strong plants you should fertilize your hedge regularly. How to do this and which fertilizers are most suitable for hedges can be read here.


Plant hedges


Whether it's a privacy screen or a design element for the garden: discover how to plant a hedge properly in our guide.


Recognizing and treating diseases in your hedge


If your hedge is sick targeted action is necessary. We explain how you can make your plants optimally healthy again.


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