Trimming is the job of cutting your hedge regularly to encourage strong growth for a full, dense, hedge. Trimming maintains shape and keeps the hedge at a manageable height and width.

Top tips to make trimming hedges easier

• Use one handed battery powered shears to trim hedges and secateurs or lightweight loppers to trim thicker stems. One handed shears are also useful for trimming smaller hedges.
• Keep shears and other cutting tools sharp, clean and well oiled and adjusted.
• Have a barrow or plastic sheet positioned beneath where you are cutting to catch most of the trimmings.

• Avoid very fast-growing species and keep the hedge to a height that is easy to reach.
• If you find cutting the hedge difficult, an alternative such as a wall or fence - with climbing plants - can be wildlife-friendly, attractive options.
• Depending on the size of your hedge, this is a job that you might decide to get regular help with.

Taking care

• Always ‘warm up’ with a few gentle stretches, keep your back straight and only work for short periods, to avoid strain.

• Try to keep the one handed shears close to your body and hold them just below chest height. Only trim within your reach to avoid straining and losing your balance.
• Tackle a section of the hedge at a time to avoid getting over tired.
• Reaching up to the top of a hedge or shrub can put extra strain on the neck, arms and back. Be careful if you use steps or ladders to reach a taller hedge as it is easy to lose your balance.

Equipment and tools

• One-handed battery powered shears are ideal for trimming soft foliage and for light hedge trimming. The blades can be rotated through 180° for a more comfortable cutting position.
• Super sharp shears, with shorter blades and long handles, are lighter and suitable for more delicate trimming.
• For light trimming jobs you can use one-handed shears.