A cedar hedge has the advantage of being an excellent view that stays green all year round.
But as with any shrub, it should be taken care of if you don't want it to turn into a jungle...
And given their very strong growth, cedars are no exception to the rule.
They can very quickly take on a lot of height and width...
So you want to know all the tips for taking good care of your hedges? Find out when and how to prune a cedar hedge :
First little-known trick you need to know:prefer to prune your cedars at the end of the day or when the sky is overcast.
Your conifers already face the aggressions of the sun and heat all summer long, no need to make them even more fragile after cutting!
You may see your hedges turn yellow, as cut wounds dry out faster in the sun.
Then, try to respect the cedar cut over 2 specific periods:in May and from mid-August to the end of September.
You can make some light cuts outside of these times, but only if it's not freezing.
Finally, something to know if you have just planted young cedar plants:the earlier you prune them, the denser the center of the hedge.
This way they don't get too thick (about 40cm) and are easier to trim.
Cedar branches have the advantage of being quite thin.
This allows them to be cut either with a mechanical hedge trimmer or manually with shears.
But of course, cutting them with a motor device is much less tedious and above all much faster.
Also prefer to have a machine with a long blade to avoid making holes in the cedars during the cut.
Regarding the upper part of the hedge, it is undoubtedly the most difficult part to trim.
We are often in poor balance and the arms remain suspended, which accelerates fatigue and can generate risks.
Adopt a hedge trimmer on a pole to make your life easier and trim the top of the hedges in complete safety.
And for even more security, do not hesitate to use a garden scaffold. It's super practical and quite suitable.
Because it's probably easier that way, we have a bad habit of pruning cedars vertically.
Result, it gives an even cut from the base to the top.
However, be aware that to obtain very dense cedars with a beautiful green color, it is best to cut them on the bias .
In other words, the top of the hedge must be narrower than its base.
This cutting technique allows the branches located at the base of the cedar to receive more sun and water .
Your conifer is therefore stronger and bushier from the base to the top.
A little extra tip:water your hedges copiously a few days before cutting.
This allows cut branches to regrow better (because they regenerate faster) and quickly regain dense foliage.
Once the hedges are trimmed, you end up with a ton of waste!
Instead of picking them up to throw the twigs in the compost or the collection of plant waste...
...well, they can be put to better use! How?
Simply place them at the foot of your cedars. Why?
Because, after decomposition, they create a plant bed retaining the humidity necessary for the development of your shrubs.
Practical and ecological, right?
