Hedge plants should best be pruned in the spring
Pruning is not necessary. You can just let hedge plants grow, without pruning. But whether that gives the best result, is still to be seen. On the other hand, everybody has his own preferences. We recommend that you always prune your hedge plants. Even if it is only to cut off the branches that stick out. Even if your hedge plants are in bloom, it is wise to prune them. Because: no pruning = little or no bloom. So when is the best time to take out your pruning shears?
Pruning hedge plants in spring
In general it is best to prune hedge plants in the spring, just before they start to bloom. But you can still prune up to and including September. Another good reason to prune in the spring is that the plants are just ending their period of dormancy. Which means they grow the fastest. If you don't curb the branches in this period, it can be hard to prune your plants because they look and feel messy. If you don’t mind, perfect! Do you like straight hedges? Then it's a good idea to prune the plants right away.
Why do we prune hedge plants?
Maybe it's useful to go back to the question of why pruning is good for a plant in the first place. It allows you to remove old, dry and diseased branches, keep the hedge healthy and promote growth again. Pruning also keeps the hedge in check. You get a nicer looking, straight hedge by pruning. And let’s not forget: pruning in spring also prepares blooming hedge plants for the period in which they flower. Pruning causes the plant to develop many new shoots on which the flowers are able to grow. It is important that you do the pruning as early as possible in the spring. You’re able to really enjoy the flowers within no-time, which in many cases give off a nice fragrance and attract birds and butterflies.
Pruning a hedge plant more than once?
There are hedge plants that need to be pruned more often than once a year. Plan the first pruning before the longest day. And schedule the other prunings as regularly as possible after that. Cloudy days are the best days for pruning. Especially if it has just rained. The branches are then easier to cut. Ideal!
Pruning hedge plants when it is freezing?
If you want to deviate from the ideal pruning period, we advise you to take a few things into account. Pruning is possible, as long as it is not freezing. That is rule number one. If it has been freezing, and you decide to prune the hedge, damage to the plant can occur. Which you want to avoid at all costs. And imagine how hard the branches are when it has frozen… When it's freezing, it's better not to use the pruning shears. Another reason not to prune when it’s cold: your hedge will look a lot more ‘nude’, which is not great if you value your privacy.
Pruning in the hot summer: a good idea?
Although it may seem tempting to go out in shorts and T-shirts in the hot summer for pruning, we strongly advise against it. The chance of burning the plants is very high in the bright sun. Take this into account. Of course you can cut away a few branches here and there, but please don’t do it rigorously.
Specific info about a particular hedge plant?
Not every hedge plant has the same characteristics. Some can only be pruned in the spring. Other plants may be pruned all 365 days, except during frost and bright sun. In this blog we wrote about the best practices. We can imagine that you are looking for more specific information about a particular hedge plant. Take a look at our product pages. In the description of our hedge plants you will find when it is best to prune the plant, how often you should repeat this and what you should take into account. You will also find more information about watering, fertilizing and much more.