A row of well-maintained hedges can make a home appear more professional. A simple addition to your landscaping will improve your home’s comfort and curb appeal.
It doesn’t need to be hard or time-consuming to maintain your hedge, especially if you have a professional do it for you. Hedge trimming is essential as neglected hedges can quickly become an eyesore.
What are the benefits of hedges in your yard? How can you maintain them?
Hedges for Landscaping
Landscape hedges are rows of similar-sized shrubs or trees that are placed close together to form a barrier. You can have a small row of shrubs at your window or a large line of trees along your driveway as hedges. A neat, manicured appearance is the key to any hedge.
There are many benefits to hedge shrubs and trees for landscaping. This can provide privacy and increase property value. These units can be used to keep your home cool in summer, which is very welcome in sunny Florida.
The benefits of hedging shrubs can vary depending on which species you choose. They can conceal unsightly elements such as sheds and garages, block noise and provide privacy. They are also easy to maintain and available in many styles, shapes and sizes to suit the needs of every property.
There are many types of hedges you can choose from for your yard. Boxwood, yew and holly are some of the most popular. Each one has a distinctive look and can be used in different ways to enhance your landscape.
Here are some examples of hedges that can thrive in Florida’s harsh environment and how they can help you improve your property.
- Boxwood is easy to grow and maintain, so it’s a great choice for those who need a quick fix.
- Although yew is slow growing, it can grow up to 60 feet. This makes it an attractive option for those who need shade in their yard.
- Arborvitae are tall and dense to protect your home from wind damage and buffer sound.
- Clusia thrives in shaded areas with indirect sunlight.
- Gardenia, Hibiscus and Jasmine are all beautiful flowers with strong scents that will make your property smell amazing.
These types of plants will require you to trim your hedges regularly if you want them to look good.
These are some helpful tips for trimming hedges in Florida.
1. The Right Tools for the Job
For large jobs, gas-powered trimmers were the best choice. Modern electric and battery-powered trimmers can do the same job without the need for refueling. To determine which type of shrubbery will be best for your yard, consider the size and thickness of your garden.
No matter which option you choose, make sure that your trimmer has safety features like an auto shut off trigger that prevents the blade from being released. A lock is required to stop the trimmers being accidentally turned on, as well as a shield for the front handle.
You might consider buying extra extension poles or battery packs if you have extensive landscaping or tall hedges.
When trimming hedges, make sure you always use protective gear. Protective gear can include gloves, goggles, long sleeves, and long pants to protect your eyes.
The right tools can make trimming hedges easier and safer.
2. Keep your hedges thick and dense
Hedges must be thick and dense. Your hedge’s character and functionality will be affected if it grows in a narrow, spindly manner.
A dense, thick hedge can improve your home’s value by:
- Privacy
- Blocking harmful UV rays
- Providing shade for your yard
- Protecting your home against damaging winds
- Blocking street traffic and noise from neighbors
Regular trimming can help thin hedges to grow fuller.
3. To promote growth and health, trim regularly
Regular trimming not only keeps your hedges looking neat and tidy, but is essential to keep them healthy. Hedges that are not trimmed regularly can become more brittle and susceptible to disease. Regular trimming of your hedge throughout the year will help to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth.
The type of hedge and the speed at which it grows will determine how often you trim. You should trim your hedges once a year. To maintain their shape and length, hedges need to be pruned every 4 to 6 week throughout the year.
In-depth cutting should be done in spring or fall, when extreme heat or cold is at its lowest and your hedge has finished growing for the season. This will promote healthy growth, and help keep your hedges tidy and well-maintained. Avoid trimming your hedges in extreme heat or cold as it can cause stress for your hedges. Avoid trimming your hedges in rainy weather, as it can make the job more difficult and messy.
4. Pay Attention to Pests and Diseases
You must keep your hedge healthy to prevent diseases and pests from destroying it. You should trim your hedge regularly and fertilize it often. You can help your hedge resist pests and diseases by taking care of it properly.
There are many types of diseases that can be found in hedges, depending on what type of plant they are. Here are some of the most common ones.
- Powdery Mildew – This is a powdery grey fungal covering that can develop when plants are too dry or lack proper air circulation.
- Box Blight – Two different strains of fungi are responsible for box blight. They both arise from dead leaves left under shrubbery too long.
- Bronze Foliage- Hedge plant can become bronze from extreme weather changes, starvation, windburn, or root rot.
These diseases are not necessarily fatal for hedges. However, many can be treated with extra care. If ignored, it will make it more difficult for plants to recover.
5. Warner Tree Service offers hedge trimming
Others consider gardening a hobby, and spend hours trimming their hedges. Some people struggle to find time between work and family commitments. You don’t like hedge trimming, or you don’t have the time, you might consider hiring professionals to help you.
Tree trimming will save you both time and effort. This is especially true for large hedges that are complex. It will take a lot more effort and knowledge to trim them. A professional hedge trimmer can ensure that your hedge is properly trimmed to encourage healthy growth and thickening. You will save hours of effort and time that you would otherwise need to spend on pruning.
Our tree trimming experts will ensure that your hedges receive the care they require to flourish. Tree maintenance, storm clean up, stump grinding, tree removal, and tree pruning are all available. Arborwise Tree Service can help you schedule an appointment.
This post was written by a professional arborist at Arbor Wise Professional Tree Care. Robert Miller is the owner of Arbor Wise Professional Tree Care, a locally owned and operated tree service company that offers superb lawn care by the most experienced Arborists. Arborwise Tree Services is a tree service clearwater fl company that offers stump removal, tree pruning, stump grinding, fertilization, and tree restoration. We have an extraordinary lawn care industry notoriety covering the Pinellas county area.