How should hedges in the garden be pruned?

1. Hedging period

After planting the hedge, allow it to grow naturally for one year to avoid premature pruning, which could hinder the development of its underground roots. Starting in the second year, prune it back to the desired height. During pruning, remove about one-third to one-half of the seedling’s height, depending on its size. To keep the seedlings as low as possible, encourage the production of more new shoots, and promote early closure of the canopy, carry out two to three pruning sessions during the growing season. Repeat this pruning over two to three years until the lower branches of the hedge are evenly distributed and dense, and the upper branches are closely interwoven.

In general, the first pruning of evergreen conifer hedges should be done in late spring or early summer. By midsummer, the growth of most evergreen conifers has largely ceased, and they enter a phase of tissue accumulation. At this stage, the hedge’s shape can remain stable for an extended period. After the beginning of autumn, with adequate water and fertilizer, autumn shoots will emerge and begin to grow vigorously. This is the time for a second thorough pruning, ensuring the hedge maintains a neat, regular form throughout the fall and winter, so that any cuts can fully heal before the onset of severe cold. When pruning hedges in autumn, it is best not to delay beyond the “White Deer Festival” in northern regions; otherwise, new buds may sprout around the autumn equinox, only to be frozen solid during the winter.

For broadleaf species such as boxwood, pruning is typically carried out in spring, while coniferous species are pruned from August to September. Hedge maintenance and trimming should be performed annually, usually once during the first or third quarter of the year. To prepare for holidays, it is recommended to prune about ten days beforehand.

Most flowering hedges are not pruned with rigid, artificial shearing; instead, they rely on natural shaping. It’s best to prune after flowering, as this not only prevents excessive fruiting and the energy‑draining growth of new shoots but also encourages the differentiation of flower buds, preparing the plant for next year’s bloom or the following flowering season. In addition, regular maintenance pruning should be carried out throughout the year, removing dead branches, those damaged by pests or disease, and any shoots that have grown too long or disrupted the plant’s shape.

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