How often should you trim hedges?
Most hedges need trimming once or twice a year. This helps maintain their shape and encourages healthier, denser growth. Waiting too long can make them overgrown and woody, which is harder to manage.
What are the benefits of getting hedges trimmed?
Trimming your hedges can have several benefits, including:
Better plant health. Removing dead or diseased branches stops decay from spreading and allows more sunlight and air to reach the entire hedge, promoting stronger growth.
More curb appeal. Neatly shaped hedges create a clean, intentional look for your property, making your yard feel more polished and well-maintained.
Fuller growth. Regular trimming stimulates the plant to produce new growth, creating a fuller, more vibrant hedge. Many pros who handle hedges can also help with related tasks like tree trimming.
Safety and accessibility. Trimming prevents hedges from overgrowing onto sidewalks, blocking views from your driveway, or scraping against your house, which can cause damage over time.
Pest deterrent. An overgrown, dense hedge can create shelter for rodents and insects, so thinning it out makes the area less inviting to unwanted critters.
Should I DIY or hire a pro to trim my hedges?
Hedge trimming can be a DIY project, but you might want to hire a pro instead. Here's why:
Experienced pros have the horticultural knowledge to trim your hedges for optimal health, shape, and growth without causing damage.
They often use proper safety equipment and techniques to avoid injuries from ladders, power tools, and falling branches.
Specialized, well-maintained tools help ensure clean cuts, which are crucial for plant recovery and a polished look.
Hiring a pro saves you significant time and effort, as they can often complete the job much faster and handle related tasks like tree trimming.
Most services include debris removal, so you aren’t left with a pile of clippings to manage.
What goes into the cost of getting hedges trimmed?
There are a few factors that affect the cost of hedge trimming, including:
Size: The height and length of your hedges are big factors. Taller and longer hedges require more time and sometimes specialized equipment to trim properly.
Condition and density: If your hedges are very overgrown or dense, they’ll take more effort to cut back and shape.
Accessibility: Pros may charge more if the hedges are difficult to access. Obstacles like fences, pools, steep slopes, or nearby power lines can make the job more complex.
Cleanup and debris removal: The price may or may not include hauling away all the clippings. Be sure to ask if cleanup is part of the standard service or an additional fee.
Job complexity: A basic trim costs less than detailed shaping or formal pruning. The scope can also expand if the job requires tree trimming or pest management.
How do I choose the best hedge trimming service?
When choosing a pro to trim your hedges, here are some helpful steps to take:
Verify their license and insurance: While specific hedge trimming licenses are uncommon, a landscaper or tree service should have general liability insurance to cover any potential property damage.
Get several estimates: A proper estimate should be in writing and detail the cost of labor, the scope of work, and whether debris removal is included in the price.
Read their reviews: Look for comments that mention professionalism, punctuality, and great clean-up. Red flags can include damage to plants, hidden fees, or messy results.
Look at their portfolios: Check for before-and-after photos of past work. You’ll want to see clean lines, uniform shapes, and healthy-looking plants. Some pros may also showcase related skills you could use, like tree trimming.
Enquire about warranties: Ask if they offer a satisfaction guarantee. Some companies may also offer a short-term warranty on the health of the hedges after the service.
Ask other questions: Before hiring, ask “How do you handle debris removal?” and “What is your experience with my specific type of hedge?”
