Hedge Species Care Guide
Welcome to our Hedge Species Care Guide! We're happy to share our hedge care knowledge to help keep your hedges healthy and beautiful. Discover care instructions, trimming tips, and a trimming schedule for each species. Hedge care is an art and a science - take the guesswork out!
If you feel you need more, we're happy to provide a free assessment and personalized care plan for your hedges.
Cedar (Thuja spp.)
Cedars are beautiful, disease resistant and versatile. They require nutrient-rich (fertilized) soil, and consistent watering through the summer. They do well in partial to full sun.
A spring trim can remove winter damage and add surface shape. A fall trim is important in controlling growth and adding deeper structure.
Considerations
- Major trims in fall.
- Minor shaping trims in spring.
- Frequent, light trimmings result in dense, healthy foliage.
Schedule
Trim every 6-12 months. Fertilize when trimming.
Boxwood (Buxus spp.)
Boxwoods are robust, requiring little fertilization or fuss to thrive. They thrive in part-to-full sun, and moist, well-drained soils.
They clearly hold a trimmed shape, and as such are an excellent choice in planned and architectural gardens.
Considerations
- Major trims in winter/spring.
- Minor trims any time.
- Shape when the plant is young.
Schedule
Trim every 12 months if shaped, 12-24 if unshaped.
Laurel (Prunus spp.)
Laurels are hardy, quick-growing, and if not kept in check can become aggressive.
They easily adapt to different soil conditions, and can thrive in both full sun or shade, easily reaching twenty feet or more unless kept in check.
Considerations
- Trim any time of year. Spring/summer is best.
- Tolerant of heavy trimming.
Schedule
Trim every 12 months.
Yew (Taxus spp.)
Yews grow well in mixed-to-full sun, though they can tolerate shade.
Proper drainage is important for our wet winters. Established yews can tolerate drought through the summer, but young plants should receive extra water.
Considerations
- Trim in summer to shape and restructure.
- Trim in fall to even out secondary growth.
- Regular trimming stimulates growth and fullness of foliage.
Schedule
Trim every 6-12 months.
Your Trusted Hedge-Care Team
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Hornbean (Carpinus betulus)
Hornbeam is a hardy, fast-growing, disease resistant hedge, enjoying sunny conditions and nutrient rich, well-drained soil.
Similar to laurel, it's quick growth is useful for privacy and noise reduction, but it can be aggressive if not kept in check.
Considerations
- Trim any time of year. Spring/summer is best.
- Tolerant of heavy trimming.
Schedule
Trim every 12 months.
Privet (Ligustrum spp.)
Privets are hearty, but require regular maintenance.
Regular trimming is important - often twice per year - and care is important to prevent damage. Privets should be watered regularly in the summer, and fertilized annually.
Considerations
- Trim in early summer and late autumn.
- Trim with care.
- Look for dead and diseased branches.
Schedule
Trim every 6 months. Fertilize annually.
Photinia (Photinia x fraseri)
Photinia is sun-loving and tolerant of most soil types. Fertilization is often essential to it's growth.
Its large, hardy foliage can grow 10 feet or more, providing privacy. It is easily shaped, and requires trimming for consistent growth.
Considerations
- Regular trimming stimulates growth.
- Trim after spring blooms and in fall once growth slows.
Schedule
Trim every 6-12 months. Fertilize 1-2 times annually.
Andromeda (Pieris japonica)
Andromeda is beautiful, hardy, and disease resistant.
It thrives in full sun, requires well-drained soil and consistent watering through the summer.
Considerations
- Trim in winter before new shoots emerge.
- Trimming & fertilization encourage blooms.
Schedule
Trim every 12 months. Fertilize 1-2 times annually.
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FAQs
Find answers to common hedge questions!
Your trimming schedule depends mainly on the hedge species and variety, but can also depend on the age, soil type and light level of the hedge. For species-specific information see our Hedge Species Care Guide. For best results we'll create you a personalized care plan as part of our free assessment.
Some species and varieties are tolerant of trimming year-round, but some are very specific in their needs. We go into more detail in our Hedge Species Care Guide, and will take this into consideration in the trimming schedule of our personalized care plan.
Some species and varieties prefer to grow to or stay under a certain height - you can learn more in our Hedge Species Care Guide.
Of course! We pride ourselves on deep consultation, excellent communication, and detailed care plans. Click here to learn more about Our Approach.
Most trims take us 2-3 hours. If there are complex considerations of many hedges on the property it may take us 1-2 days. We commit to providing clear communication and excellent service throughout the process, so feel free to ask more during your free assessment!
Yes, we're proud to be covered by WorkSafeBC and Intact Insurance, and have a clean record with no claims.
This depends on the size of the hedge, the species of the hedge, the difficulty of access, and the amount of growth to be removed. For many species trims start at $230+gst.
Yes of course! We'll perform our work, then leave your home as or better than we found it. If you have any specific considerations just let us know during your free assessment.
Absolutely! All of our options will be included in our personalized care plan - book a free assessment and we'll suggest options for your property. Also feel free to read out [link Hedge Species Care Guide] for more details on species-specific needs.