{"id":11385,"date":"2024-03-25T10:13:11","date_gmt":"2024-03-25T09:13:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.altuna.es\/3-sports-equipments-to-make-your-workout-more-fun\/"},"modified":"2025-08-06T11:23:25","modified_gmt":"2025-08-06T11:23:25","slug":"hedge-pruning-how-and-when","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.altuna.es\/en\/hedge-pruning-how-and-when\/","title":{"rendered":"Hedge pruning: how and when to cut your hedge"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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How and when to trim the hedge<\/h2>\n

Tanto evergreen hedges and deciduous hedges must be trimmed regularly to preserve their health and shape. This article distinguishes and explains two types of hedge pruning: maintenance pruning<\/strong> and renewal pruning.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Maintenance pruning: to keep the hedge shape<\/h2>\n

The purpose of maintenance pruning is to give or maintain the hedge\u2019s shape. It involves cutting new shoots so the desired height and width are preserved.<\/p>\n

Deciduous hedges usually need two trims per year, while evergreens typically need just one. The first maintenance cut should be done when the shoots are mature (April to May). If a second trim is needed, it should be carried out from early September to mid\u2011October.<\/p>\n

Renewal pruning of the hedge<\/h2>\n

This involves cutting two thirds of the fruit\u2011bearing shoots. The aim is to reduce the number of shoots and strengthen the remaining ones. It’s a way to clean the hedge so it grows stronger and healthier.<\/p>\n

Renewal pruning should be performed once a year during winter, when the hedge is dormant. Choose days without frost or extreme cold, and preferably when the hedge is dry.<\/p>\n

In some woody hedge species, during the first year it is advisable to perform a more intense renewal prune by cutting three quarters of the shoots. The goal is to encourage stronger branching. This intense pruning must be done by March at the latest.<\/p>\n

Hedge pruning techniques: vertical and horizontal pruning<\/h2>\n

How should you cut the hedge with shears?<\/h3>\n

To trim a hedge with hand shears, cut from the bottom up in circular motions. Ideally cut in a rectangular shape, keeping the top slightly narrower than the bottom to ensure sunlight reaches the whole hedge.<\/p>\n

The hedge should be trimmed both horizontally<\/strong> (setting the hedge height) and vertically<\/strong> (setting the hedge width).<\/p>\n

At this link you can view all Altuna hedge trimming tools<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Vertical pruning<\/h4>\n

As mentioned, cut from bottom to top in circular motions to give the hedge the desired depth or width.<\/p>\n

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