With spring just around the corner at this stage, it is very important that green-fingered enthusiasts and gardening professionals alike ensure that they are fully prepared for the season.
There is a lot to take into account, but the end of February/beginning of March could be the perfect time to ensure that all hedges are in shape.
The Royal Horticultural Society noted that hedges that are already established still need to be kept trim so they will remain dense and compact.
In addition to this, it is also worth bearing in mind that formal rows will require a little more work than informal arrangements.
For those who enjoy using handheld shears, the gardening charity suggested that the tools are best kept to the maintenance of smaller hedges.
This is because it is significantly easier to take advantage of a powered hedgetrimmer for larger plants.
Here at MowDIRECT, we pride ourselves on being the UK's leading supplier of this essential gardening equipment.
We boast more than 100 hedge trimmer & hedge cutter models – and a vast selection of petrol and electric variants can be found among these.
Have a look for yourself by clicking here.
Damian Mitchell, gardener in charge at Lytes Cary Manor, recommended cutting from the bottom of the hedge upwards.
In an article for the Daily Telegraph, he explained that cutting is best carried out in stages, rather than all in one go – and the expert also shared advice on how to cut in a straight line.
"I'm quite keen on straight lines, the sides and the tops have to be straight," he remarked, adding: "It's done by eye here [at Lytes Cary Manor], although one of our staff likes to put up a string line and that's a good idea. He anchors it with bamboo stakes and cuts just above the line."
