When pruning becomes the only option
What is hedge pruning?
The pruning of a hedge consists of a severe pruning in the trunks of the hedge to reduce it considerably in height. This is not a maintenance trimming and requires different equipment.
Cedar hedges
The height of a hedge can be reduced, sometimes up to 33%, and in rare cases up to 50%, without the cedars suffering. However, you will have to choose the new desired height carefully, because the top of the hedge will be stripped of foliage and you will see the inner trunks of the cedars. It is only with the years that the new shoots of the exterior foliage will slightly fill in the exposed tops.
It is advisable to call on our experienced teams, who will be able to advise you on the new optimal height for the aesthetics of your hedge and for its healing.
Several reasons can push an owner to prune his hedge when it becomes necessary or unavoidable. Here are some examples, without limitation:
- Some municipalities impose bylaws for the height of hedges.
- City signs are buried in your hedge. Don’t wait for the city to take action because the beauty may not be there.
- Your hedge has become too high for regular maintenance.
- Your hedge is too close to the Hydro-Québec medium voltage wires to trim the tops safely.
- The hedge now prevents access to amenities such as a clothesline or telecommunication wires.
- You want all the tops of your hedges to be of equal height.
Leafy hedges
Some deciduous hedges can be pruned a few inches from the ground, and they will certainly grow back. It is recommended to cut most deciduous hedges in the spring, before the appearance of buds or in the fall, after they bloom.
After several years without pruning, some deciduous hedges can be stripped at the base and look weak or, on the contrary, be filled with branches, dead or alive, but which produce few or no leaves and flowers. Pruning can then be beneficial to encourage the growth of new stems which will replace the withered stems.
Not all deciduous hedges can be lowered to the ground, but our experts will be able to guide you on the optimal height. It is recommended to combine the hedge pruning with a fertilization to encourage the new growth of the stems.
