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Always cut from waist height, and never raise a chain saw above shoulder level. Cut from the saw’s side to avoid dangerous kickback. Additionally, do not cut too close to the ground, as doing so could cause the saw to hit and recoil.
How can I reduce the height of my hedge?
Reduce the height by up to one-third in April. Thin out the side branches, removing selected branches right back to the trunk but leaving the others intact. This will allow more light and air into the area around the hedge. Mulch and feed in spring to encourage vigorous re-growth.
Can a chainsaw cut bushes?
Chainsaws make short work of large tree limbs and fallen trees, but they are not the most effective tool for regular shrub pruning. Whether you choose to thin your shrub or shear a bush into a perfect globe or inverted keystone shape, select the correct tool to get the job done safely and well.
What is the best tool to cut hedges?
1Trimming a hedge with manual shears Start at the end of your hedge and work your way along for a consistent cut. Keep your shears level and you will get a crisp top. If you can, assess your cuts at eye-level to make sure you have done an even job.
Can you cut a hedge in half?
Tidying deciduous and evergreen hedges You can cut both the height and width of your overgrown hedge back by up to 50% in one single cut, however we recommend staggering this process over at least two years, preferably more.
Can you trim a hedge too much?
Prune too much or too early, and you may stunt the tree just at the point where it needs lots of top greenery to support the development of its new root system. Shade trees, too, will be stimulated into new growth by assertive pruning, but they do not require the same vigorous pruning that multi-stemmed shrubs do.
How thick of a branch can a hedge trimmer Cut?
Hedge trimmers, whether gas, electric or battery powered, are ideal for cutting hedges and thin branches up to about 3/4 inch. Anything bigger than this could snag on the teeth of the trimmer and cause it to seize up, so it’s best to use a more powerful hedge cutter or chainsaw for larger branches.
What is the law on cutting hedges?
A boundary hedge is usually the joint responsibility of both neighbours. Both must agree on major work, including removal, coppicing or laying. If the hedge is just inside your neighbours’ garden, they own it. You only have the right to trim any part which encroaches over your boundary line.
What is the difference between a hedge trimmer and a hedge cutter?
Hedge Cutters Whereas trimmers handle the lighter, more delicate jobs when it comes to your hedges, cutters deal with the more heavy-duty work. These are much more robust because they need to deal with a much bigger and usually thicker workload.
How far can you cut a hedge back?
How Far Can You Cut Back A Hedge? The rule of thumb for trimming hedges is to cut back no more than a third of the total volume of the hedge at one time. This is enough to encourage new growth in the top half of the plant without causing serious damage to its overall wellbeing.
When should I cut back my hedge?
When to trim hedges New hedges require formative pruning for their first couple of years after planting. Formative pruning is usually carried out in winter or early spring. After this, maintenance trimming is carried out, usually once a year for informal hedges and twice a year for formal hedges.
How do you trim a straight hedge?
Using a hedge trimmer, cut vertically down to the height marked on the first and second cane. Then cut between them horizontally to cut out the box shape. Do not cut between the second and third canes and move on to the third and fourth canes. Repeat the process until you have worked along the entire hedge.
How do you trim a hedge for growth?
Pruning hedge plants helps them put on dense new growth. A good hedge is dense all over, not just along the top. To best achieve this it is ideal to give small plants a regular light trim (possibly only 2cm removed each time), even before they have grown together to form a hedge.
How much does it cost to cut a hedge UK?
The average hedge trimming cost per hour is around £20-£40 in the UK. The going rate for regular hedge trimming per metre will likely be around £2,50-£5. If the hedge needs to be trimmed back quite a bit, the cost can be as high as £20.
Will cut hedges grow back?
This severe pruning will induce a large number of shoots to develop during the growing season. Deciduous, formal hedges (those pruned to a definite size and shape), such as privets, that become open and leggy also can be rejuvenated by pruning them back to within 4 to 6 inches of the ground in late winter/early spring.
How long does a hedge take to grow back?
Hedges might take three to seven years to attain their desired size. You can buy semi-mature hedges which, although costly, will give an instant hedge. Semi-mature plants require extra care in planting and watering. Hedges might need shelter in their initial years on exposed sites.
How do you thicken a hedge?
Trimming a hedge in a wedge shape that is wider at the bottom will make it grow thicker by enabling more even regrowth. Cut back the hedge at the top to steer growth to the sides of your bushes and use organic fertiliser to encourage the plant’s development.
How thick can a Stihl hedge trimmer cut?
It has a built-in battery so it’s very easy to use, and is perfectly suited to trimming back annual growth around 8mm thick. It’s packed full of features, with a double-sided 20”/50 cm trimmer blade length, integrated cut protection and a screw-on tip protector.
