How to cut back an overgrown hedge or shrubs landscape maintenance DIY pro tips
Are you looking to save money by doing some of your own yard work? Do you have a lawn mowing service that just wants to mow, blow, and go? That’s pretty typical. And, few companies offer the in between services that your mower service just doesn’t want to do. Finding someone for clean up tasks is difficult and they often don’t know proper technique. In this post I’m going to empower you to take hedge by branches and get it under control. Get ready for some serious DIY landscaping knowledge…
Cutting back an overgrown hedge can seem quite daunting if you don’t have any experience with it. With the right approach, you can knock this task out efficiently and get the job done right. Below you will find a 3 part video series breaking down the steps to help you do this correcltly and efficiently. Following these steps and advice will help your hedge and shrubs fill in, thrive, and look full and healthy.
Part 1
In part 1, be sure to pay close attention to the suggestions concerning how high you want the hedge and what height you should cut back the larger structural branches. You’ll also want to catch the part about how to actually make the cut and why flat cuts are not ideal and can lead to problems down the road.
Before starting your hedge trimming project, you’ll want to make sure you have a good set of tools. Depending on your budget you’ll need a set of hand pruners for smaller branches and loppers for larger ones. Loppers can’t easily handle branches larger than 1.5” in diameter so if you have some bigger branches, you’ll definitely want a Sawzall. In fact, the Sawzall is the better option you are considering buying either a set of loppers or the saw. But having both won’t hurt either!
Part 2
As a follow up to part 1, part 2 discusses the difference between using loppers and a Sawzall, and how to make those cuts as clean as possible.
This next video, part 02, covers techniques for specific cuts with different tools while pruning or cutting back an overgrown hedge. This video builds on part 1 (Landscape Maintenance Tips: Cutting Back an Overgrown Hedge Part 1) In that first video, I discussed some basic technique on how to cut back larger structural branches and how to set the height. If you haven’t seen that video, click the link to the video and do so. The following video, part 2 (Landscape Maintenance Tip Cutting Back an Overgrown Hedge,Part 2) builds on the instructions provided in part 1.
As always put safety first by making sure you stay clear of the moving blade and cut away from yourself. Be sure to have a fully charged spare battery handy for the Sawzall in case you run out of charge mid job. Also make sure you have the right blade rated for wood, usually with a rougher (or bigger) tooth.
Part 3
The following is the final video in a 3 part series on how to cut back an overgrown hedge. In this video I demonstrate how to efficiently apply the techniques I described in parts 1 and 2. You’ll see how the entire job progress smoothly and then how to put the finishing touches on it.
A good hedge trimmer will be needed to finish up. And of course, this tool is ideal for keeping the hedge shaped and trimmed. I’ll be using a commercial grade Echo power head with the hedge trimmer attachment in this video. If you can manage it, a power head with multiple attachments is ideal so you only have to maintain one motor for all tools like string trimmer, edger, pruner, and hedge trimmer. Echo is very good, reliable. I’ve had mine since I started. There are also a lot of very good battery powered options which are much more convenient because you don’t have to worry about maintaining a gas powered tool.
I highly recommend you watch parts 1 (Landscape Maintenance Tips: Cutting Back an Overgrown Hedge Part 1) and 2 (Landscape Maintenance Tip Cutting Back an Overgrown Hedge,Part 2) but if you want to skip ahead, here are some key takeaways to remember:
1. Set the height: If you want the shrub to be head high, cut the larger structural branches 10-12” below this height.
2. Make the taller branches a two part cut. Cut off the top so that if the bark peels or it falls over and breaks off, you are not left with a messy or rough cut. You want a smooth cut. Once you’ve cut off the top then make your final, clean cut at 10-12” below the height you desire the hedge to maintained.
3. Make sure you cut the branches at an angle instead of flat. This way rainwater runs off instead of sitting on the flat cuts. This might cause rot and you don’t want that.
4. You can make these cuts with loppers, but a Sawzall will make the job easier and make the cuts more consistently smooth.
If you’ve reached this point, congratulations!
You are now a shrub trimming badass cutting back hedges and saving big bucks from having to pay someone to do it for you!
Landscape design and installation service area includes Seminole and East Orange counties (Lake Mary, Sanford, Heathrow, Winter Park, Winter Springs, Altamonte Springs, Orlando, Longwood, Casselberry areas and nearby).
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Bio: I am not a landscape architect. I won't charge big firm fees. I am a horticulturalist. This means I am educated, specialized, and experienced in selection, arrangement, establishment, and care of plant material in the residential landscape. I hold a Master of Science degree from University of Florida in Environmental Horticulture. I currently focus on existing residential work.
Although I am glad to share my knowledge and expertise to help homeowners care for their landscape, I no longer offer maintenance services. Since 2012, The focus of Earthwise Horticultural Services has been landscape design and installation for existing residential properties. Within that scope I offer a wide range of services. My approach is holistic in nature with an emphasis on long term success. Success in landscape improvements begins with a good plan. While planning your landscape we'll focus on things such as:
1. Choosing plants that not only meet your preferences but are also naturally adapted to the conditions of the landscape.
2. Deciding where and what type of sod to use (if at all); and discussing what it takes to ensure long term success of the new lawn.
3. Problem solving for any trouble areas which includes the consideration of options and identification potential pitfalls.
4. Educating you so that once we are all done, you’ll know what to do in the short term after the installation, as well as long term.
Landscape services include:
· Design & consultation
· Installation of new landscapes
· Hardscaping with natural stone and pavers
· Landscape lighting (low voltage outdoor lighting)
· Irrigation assessment, modification, and improvement (in conjunction with projects)
· Custom built wood landscape structures such as pergolas, arbors, and trellises
This video was recorded and edited by Scott Simpson, the owner of Earthwise Horticultural Services LLC. Thank you for checking out my content. Feel free to visit my website and use the contact tab if you want to consider transforming your landscape into something truly special.
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