Hedge Trimmers

Your Questions About Hedges

newhedgetrimmers.com — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:39:27 +0000

George asks…

What are the fastest growing hedges that can be planted?

I live in Saskatchewan, Canada. My neighbour is a douche-bag. This is a serious question. Are there any hedges/bushes that grow really fast? Any suggestions are appreciated!!! Thx a mill. Sorry – and that grow really tall? Fast like weeds, preferably!

newhedgetrimmers.com answers:

I looked at the Sunset Magazine climate zone map and find you're in zone 1. For your zone, the Barberry is a hardy, fast-growing, spiny hedge. Some grow to 8 feet tall. Also Firethorn (Pyracantha) is also fast-growing; they don't list its height. More types at the site listed below:

Robert asks…

How can I insure my privet hedges grow in thick?

They are just starting off, planted them as twigs 2 months ago. (They are about 3-4 foot high now). Right now, I have only trimmed off the small twigs that did not have any growth coming from them. Should I cut back the growth that is extending out so that it doubles up? (Right now, that growth is about a foot long on most of the hedges). Am I right? > Whatever I cut, will it grow back doubled?

newhedgetrimmers.com answers:

"Am I right? > Whatever I cut, will it grow back doubled?" Yes, sort of….. Any time you cut off the end of an actively growing branch you have removed what is called the "terminal bud", this is the bud that makes the branch get longer. By doing so, you activate dormant "lateral buds" along the branch. It is possible that one bud may grow, or many may grow into new branches, "thickening" the shrub. I think this is what you are think of when you said "will it double-up". So go ahead and trim away some of the new growth. The buds may form at the base of any leaf that you leave, and will usually form close to the cut. In the future, as the hedge develops, be careful not to "shear" the plant, that is to cut away all of the new outside growth, or you will end up with too many small side branches and all of the foliage will be on the very outside of the plant with a bare center. – This is hard to explain, but I'm sure you've seen old shrubs and hedges with a bare center. That's caused by to many years of shearing.

John asks…

How can I grow hedges? I am unable to find seeds/plants in our garden center.?

I have got hedges on one side of our property. How can I use it to grow the same hedges on the other side?

newhedgetrimmers.com answers:

You can get some root tone, and make a mudd ball of half peat moss and soil mix. Scrape a area of a branch, sprinkle a little root tone on it, put fist size mudd ball on it, then wrap mudd ball with chesse cloth like a bandage, keep damp, in 4-6 weeks you should start to see roots coming out of the ball. Cut it off the plant and you have a new plant to start with. It like magic. Good luck. It's called cloneing.

Charles asks…

How to grow Cedar hedges from seeds?

Where moving and my dad has cedar hedges around our house that block the cold wind and keep the birds safe and warm inside the cedars during the cold winter months. Now that we where moving he's thinking of digging out the cedars here and bringing them to our new home because there so large, do you think that's a good idea? or can the cedars die off? If we don't bring them with us how do you plant cedar seeds and help them to grow healthy and large? should we buy sprouts of cedar hedges instead from garden centres and plant them at the house or just plant our own instead which Im geussing would take a long time. Thanks so much!

newhedgetrimmers.com answers:

You can dig the cedars but if they are really large they may not transplat well and it maybe more work than it's worth. The best time to transplant is in early spring or late fall, when the trees are dormant and it is less of a shock for them. I would suggest purchasing some from a garden center (or even find a friend who may have wild cedars growing on their property to dig saplings from) and planting a new hedge. It usually takes a year for them to root down before they start growning up, but after that it will not take too long before your hedge looks great! Planting from seed will take a long time.

Your Questions About Hedges

newhedgetrimmers.com — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 22:05:19 +0000

Robert asks…

How do you kill weeds under hedges,Without killing the hedges?

I have 50ft. of old hedges! We had a problem spraying the weeds this year! And the rain is really spreading them (or it looks that way) The root's of the weeds are close to the hedge roots. How do you do it? Thank you!

newhedgetrimmers.com answers:

Hi: Spraying for weeds close to any plant, hedge or shrub can be tricky. Since the hedges are large I don't think putting any type of landscape fabric around them will really help. Pulling the weeds are fine to do but you usually don't get the main root of the weed and it will come back. If you are in a climate where fall is around the corner, you will be able to trim the hedging back and get it under control. To spray for weeds close to the hedge roots, here is a very simple solution. Take an old cookie sheet and shield the weed killer from the hedge. You will be able to get up close with each shrub. We have done this for years with established plants and it really works. Take a look at my website and I will direct you to a page on spraying for weeds and insects. Best of luck to you and I hope this has helped some. Let me know if you need anymore tips. Kimberly http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.com/Spraying.html

Donna asks…

What is the maximum height for hedges beside driveways in Toronto?

My neighbour told me I have to cut my hedges because they block the sight lines of his driveway and there is some kind of by-law dictating the maximum height of hedges in Toronto. Ok, fine. What is the maximum height? Where is this information? I have been put on hold, hung up on, asked to leave messages, etc., I cannot find this information on the City of Toronto's website, I don't have any more time for this garbage. Somebody just tell me the answer, thanks.

newhedgetrimmers.com answers:

The maximum is 1.5 metres, but it can vary by province.

Chris asks…

what are the best hedges to plant as a natural fence between you and your neighbor?

i have this huge yard and neighbors on both side. i would like more privacy tho on one side of my yard than the other and do not want to have to use wodden or anyother kind of man made material fence. i am more interested into planting nice hedges that will grow full inlength and not alot of maintence along with perhaps some flowerring if available.

newhedgetrimmers.com answers:

Canas ???

Mark asks…

What would happen to hedges in a post apocalyptic environment?

Say, a large fraction of humans die out and there's just a few of us left.. out of curiosity what would happen to the hedges in the UK? Would they just grow out into the roads and become large bushes for miles and miles?

newhedgetrimmers.com answers:

Not only would they grow out into the roads but they would grow across the fields, across gardens, and into and over the buildings.

Your Questions About Hedge Shears

newhedgetrimmers.com — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 07:25:46 +0000

Susan asks…

Large Hicks yew Hedge question?

I’m thinking of using the Hicks Yew for my formal hedge. It will be several hundred feet long and kept at about 4' – 5' tall. Because of the length of the hedge I am considering using bare root plants. They will be around 9" to start. In your opinion how long will it take to start to fill in? When should I start to shear them? I know I should not touch the tops until the desired height. Also we have clay soil with about 8' – 12' of good, well drained topsoil on top. I dug a 1' wide by 1' deep hole. Filled it with water and let it drain. Then filled it again. It took about 5 1/2 hours to drain the second time. All but the last 6 inches drained in about 30 minutes. Will this be sufficient drainage for the Hicks Yew? And finally what type of growth can I expect out of the Hicks Yew? Thanks for all help! Anyone evr heard of the Winston Peters Spreading yew?

newhedgetrimmers.com answers:

3-5 years 5 years maybe, if you plant them a little high growth is columnar. Narrow when young, growing wider with age. Matures at 15-20' a yew hedge is formal, but the cost and slow growth leads me to choose cleyera or dwarf burford holly. Shearing creates a shell of foliage. Better is thinning every few years. Must be well-drained. Does not tolerate wet feet wpsy – low, broad, fast growing

Maria asks…

What is your opinion on a lesser quality of a plant or tree, shrub and hedge establishing itself over time?

I have noticed that when I go to a nursery to buy trees or shrubs, there will always be nice quality ones which are more filled in (perhaps due to shearing repeatedly for evergreens) and look more ideal. What is your opinion on the lesser quality ones which are left over after all the top quality ones have been taken by end of Spring? For example Hemlocks or other types of evergreen trees, if planting lesser quality ones with very nice quality ones, will it not really matter once the roots have become established and they have a chance to catch up? will they look uniform , let us say in a hedge? and isnt it true that early to middle spring is the best time to find the best selection of trees, shrubs, perennials , etc? why and how so? Thanks for your answers!

newhedgetrimmers.com answers:

I'm of the opinion that you should buy the biggest and best shaped tree or bush that you can afford. Why take a chance to save a couple of dollars.. That "small" shrub or plant could be that way for a number of reasons. Many of which time won't cure, no matter how much of your money and time you throw at it.

Thomas asks…

Need advice about difference in fullness of canadian hemlocks…?

I have a row of 10 Canadian Hemlocks along my drive to make a hedge. I planted them this Spring. We had a awfully hot and dry summer btw. Since then one had died. I went and bought a replacement one, and this one is the same height , but very very full. I didnt notice how the others looked very thin inside, until I saw this one I bought today. What should I do? I will plant this one in with the others, but it will always look different? should I shear the others back really good in the Spring or should I let them get going better first? why so? Thanks for your answers!

newhedgetrimmers.com answers:

A plant's response to pruning is to generate new growth. A type of pruning know as "Heading Back" promotes a denser plant. To "Head Back" your existing Hemlocks next spring, just lightly prune the branch tips. This will result in a denser Hemlock. Do this for a couple of years and you should be able to catch these existing Hemlocks up to the new, fuller Hemlock you have just planted.

Your Questions About Hedge Shears

newhedgetrimmers.com — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 13:31:55 +0000

Jenny asks…

When is the ideal time generally to shear foliage on trees or hedges?

I was thinking that most root growth for any tree or plant takes place when foliage has stopped growing (during late fall and winter). and that the best time to shear a hedge or tree would be in the middle Spring, since that would challenge its growth for the foliage is this true or not? and if so, when would be the best time to fertilize or add root stimulator as well as fertilizer for the foliage ( such as a foliar spray by Miracle gro) Thanks for your answers! for anyone who could further what "Joanne" was saying regarding sap…. why is it better to trim trees or hedges during dormancy?

newhedgetrimmers.com answers:

The exact timing could be a little different in different parts of the country. Contact your local County Extension agent and they will be able to provide al the help and answers that you hope for. Monday morning should be a good time to call or go by their office.

Donna asks…

Question on Euonymus Ovatus Aureus?

Is Euonymus Ovatus Aureus a decent hedge plant. I am considering Dwarf Burford Holly, but saw some info on this shrub and wanted to get some opinions. I want a hedge about 5 – 6 ft tall. would Euonymus Ovatus Aureus work? Is it a fast grower or slower? What is the size? Do you have to shear? I can not seem to be able to find any good pictures of mature plants. Does anyone know where to find any? Thanks

newhedgetrimmers.com answers:

This plant wants some shade…. Got that?…. It's a bit taller than six ft…. One of mine's well over my privacy fence….moderate growth… Slow to start, but once it gets some size it increases exponentially!!… *smile*…..no shearing…. Pictures seem to concentrate on the coloration of the leaves!!… Darn!… They do take to shaping quite well and the pruned off stems will root and grow new plants really easy….. Here's a couple of mine in very early spring, just as they put on their new colors….. Http://groups.msn.com/Skipperdoodles/shoebox.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=2013 the one by the fence is now eight ft at least… The one in the foreground is kept shorter ….the big one is a good seven to eight years old in MY garden…..but I got it as a mature plant that someone yanked out and put on the curb…….got six of them that day!!…. Hope this helps some….

Donald asks…

have you tried Extreme Gardening ?

was hacking out a 7 ft section of hedge for a neighbour which involved perching very precariously on a wobbly shed roof with shears , snippers and a hedge trimmer.. Hmmm never even fell off ! lol silly bugger ! well really there's nae need for compliments noo maggie ; ) lol

newhedgetrimmers.com answers:

Forst ah'm shocked at yer neighbour's hedge wis 7ft tae stairt wi. Ah panic ifn mine gits tae a wee couple o' mm Noo ah've heard o jumpin affy ae wardrobe bit a shoogly shed? Fit wur ye thinkin? An fit wis she divvin ootside wi hur hedge aw exposed in e forst place? Teuchters!! Ah tell ye…

Your Questions About Hedge Shears

newhedgetrimmers.com — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:32:33 +0000

David asks…

Large Hicks yew Hedge question?

newhedgetrimmers.com answers:

You need to post in the gardening section. You won't get any answers here.

Linda asks…

is it a good idea to lop a leader trunk in a conifer hedge a few feet below the actual height wishing to have?

if have a tree row of Canadian Hemlocks, for example..and wishing to establish a solid 6 ft high hedge…will it be a good idea for future to lop the main trunk down at 3.5 ft or 4 ft? (so gives a less thicker branches to struggle when have to shear the top? how fast will grow and why? please explain how the look would differ if just lopped at 6 ft and maintained that? wouldnt that mean would be a constant struggle? HOW THE LOOK WOULD BE DIFFERENT? MUCH AT ALL? please explain what you can how the leader trunk will branch off and grow and how fast after lopping first time? how often will need to use loppers again on this and why? thanks for your answers!

newhedgetrimmers.com answers:

1 Prepare a planting area for your Canadian hemlock hedge in the spring. Choose a full sun or partially sunny area and amend the soil with compost to create a rich soil mix with plenty of drainage. Spread 4 to 6 inches of compost over the planting area and use a garden spade to mix the compost in with the soil. 2 Dig holes for the hedge, spacing each hole about 5 feet apart. Make the holes about twice as wide and deep enough to enable you to plant the Canadian hemlock between 2 and 4 inches above the surrounding soil level. 3 Remove the Canadian hemlock from the temporary containers and carefully place them in the holes. Fill soil in around the roots until you fill the hole completely, with the top of the root ball slightly above the surrounding soil level. Tamp the soil down firmly by hand. 4 Water the soil generously immediately after planting the hedge. Keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season without allowing it to dry out. 5 Apply mulch over the soil surrounding the hedge. Cover the exposed root ball with between 1 and 2 inches of mulch. 6 Drive a 6-foot stake into the soil about 12 inches away from the hedge. Wrap a stretchy tie around the hedge and the stake to support the Canadian hemlock during the first three growing seasons. Remove the stake, after this time, if desired. 7 Mix evergreen fertilizer with water at half the recommended strength and pour the fertilizer carefully over the soil around the hedge. Fertilize the hedge every six weeks, starting about three to four weeks after planting the hedge. Continue fertilizing the hedge through the end of autumn. In subsequent growing seasons, fertilize the Canadian hemlock with full-strength fertilizer. 8 Prune the hedge as desired or not at all. You can shear it into a formal hedge, shape it lightly or allow it to grow without pruning. Perform pruning in late winter or early spring with the hedge shears. Read more: How to Care for and Grow a Canadian Hemlock Hedge | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_7998440_care-grow-canadian-hemlock-hedge.html#ixzz1HGaLNM3t on the lopping side id prune two foot below the finished height you want the finshed height to be then prune each year for a level or shaped top after ten years or so you will be at 10 inches taller the only problem is that eventually the the main trunk will want cutting lower again due to trees and shrubs growing from the bottom as well as the tops

Donald asks…

What is your opinion on a lesser quality of a plant or tree, shrub and hedge establishing itself over time?

newhedgetrimmers.com answers:

You should always buy the biggest and best plants that you can afford. The smaller ones will grow tall, but since most plants grow so slow it will be years before you get anything out of them. In terms of selection, most smaller nurseries have greater stocks of plants when they are in bloom since people are more likely to buy them when they are in bloom. But bigger nurseries carry plants throughout the season.

Daniel asks…

how important is it to match the size of the "Caliper" of trees when replacing those in a hedge that died?

have 3 Conifers (Hemlocks) that need to be replaced in a hedge row and have emailed a nurser that says they have 6-8 foot ones similar in height to the trees currently there (and they have not been sheared since planting) ..but was wondering to make sure they all grow even and similarly..how important is it to make sure the CALIPER of the trunks are similar? how likely is it that since the height is similar that the trunks will be similar in caliper anways? why for that? please explain what you can thanks for your answers!

newhedgetrimmers.com answers:

It's going to be nearly impossible to match the size of the trunks when replacing a shrub or tree. They may very well be similar in trunk diameter. To the naked eye it really won't be very noticeable. Try to match the height & size as best you can. Not all trees in a roll/hedge grow the same way, even if they get the same amount of light, water & fertilizer. You can always trim the bushes later on to make them blend in a bit better~nothing in nature is perfect.

Your Questions About [trimmers]

newhedgetrimmers.com — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 00:30:40 +0000

Charles asks…

Can you trim a biggggg hedge with small shears (scissors sized)?

i have a huge hedge but no equipment, i would buy some but i dont have an inch of space in my home

newhedgetrimmers.com answers:

Well yes, but if some of the stems have gotten too thick this may prove difficult. And as others have said it will be a very long job. The good news is you may get away with one cut this year as we are almost into August, depending on the type of hedge. It sounds like you need a friend or gardener to help you.

Jenny asks…

Is this asking to much from my employee?

I hired a scurity guard that is a former florist / landscaper. He patrols the grounds with the golf-cart. I game some hedge clippers and pruning shears and told him to prune the rose bushes and ficus hedge when he is bored. Its a for the most part a drama free job with not much going on..

newhedgetrimmers.com answers:

First off, ask him to do it, not tell him. Florist and landscaping skills are over and above the duties of the security guard job. It also pays more. You are asking your employee to perform a task that has value that you are expecting for free. Not respectful behavior if you want to build loyalty in your employees. There are other ways to achieve the same goal by offering some other non-monetary reward or benefit for the extra effort. And companies wonder why they can't find loyal employees anymore…

Joseph asks…

Is it true that it is good to shear the sides of conifers after they finish putting on new growth for Spring?

when do most conifers stop doing this? such as Canandian Hemlocks? especially if have them in a hedge…is it good to shear the sides after around June or when and how much and how soon will grow back and how? what is it like if just left alone and why? any help appreciated.

newhedgetrimmers.com answers:

When you do cut them [now if you want] do not cut deep always cut enough to leave it green just trim do not cut to make holes it will fill in time but it looks untidy

James asks…

is it true that it is good to shear the sides of conifers after they finish putting on new growth for Spring?

newhedgetrimmers.com answers:

Http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basics/techniques/pruning_prunehedges1.shtml This link will tell you what you need to know. So do scroll down to read it all. Never cut a conifer hedge back into the brown wood, as it will not grow back & look awful. Also if it reaches about 6ft, then keep trimmed at this height or lower, do not let them grown taller or you wont be able to reach the top and they will get massive. They soon shoot out new growth, and if left uncut, would just keep spreading further over the garden borders, leaving less room for other plants and shading those already growing. You could also do a google search on Hedge cutting where you can find other info as well.

Your Questions About [trimmers]

newhedgetrimmers.com — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:36:00 +0000

Sharon asks…

Is there any way to know what gardening zone folks live in when they as a question??

so many people have so many questions about gardening but the answers depend upon what gardening zone they live in. In even more detail what part of what state. I would like to reply to a lot of these questions but if they don't live in a zone that I am famillar with my reply is useless. Any way to find out???

newhedgetrimmers.com answers:

The only way is if they tell you. You could e-mail them or IM them if they have that option on their answers Q&A page. You could also tell them the answer in a couple different paragraphs for different zones. If they don't have the e-mail or IM options, and you don't want to go into detail for different gardening zones, you could ask in your answer what zone they live in, add the question to your watch list and go back and check to see if they added their zone to the question.

Sandra asks…

I live in Gardening Zone 8 and i want to move some banana plants (1 foot tall) into my yard ?

Should I wait to buy and move them until spring or should i go ahead and do it now?? I am very anxious to plant some . – I live in Dallas. Would they die over the winter? Any other banana growing/soil/sunlight/watering tips???? THANKS

newhedgetrimmers.com answers:

One thing to consider when planting banana plants: Dig a comfortable square, 2-3 ft X 2-3 ft., min. 1 ft deep, to be able to work in. Plant the plants, one plant per hole in the hole. Banana plants grow lots of surface roots and the following generations will be shallower and shallower. That is what the hole is for: You fill in a layer of dirt every year or according to new shoots, so there is enough soil around the roots. Otherwise the plants will be falling all over the place.

Betty asks…

What is my gardening zone in Weber (Ogden) UT?

I have been searching for the correct zone (zip 84405) and I seem to get differnt answers every time.

newhedgetrimmers.com answers:

I think you are in zone 6. But in any case, you may have variations based on microclimates on your property – local topography, windbreaks, ponds, a hill, etc.

Chris asks…

I live in southern California, Laguna Woods, what is my gardening zone?

newhedgetrimmers.com answers:

Check here. Http://www.sunset.com/sunset/garden/article/0,20633,845296,00.html#Anchor-ZONE-43793

Your Questions About [trimmers]

newhedgetrimmers.com — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 13:46:21 +0000

Richard asks…

Hello i have a set of Ryobi 22.5cc Petrol Hedge Trimmer HTK-2360MT, what 2 stroke mix?

Hello i have a set of Ryobi 22.5cc Petrol Hedge Trimmer HTK-2360MT, i have lost the instructions and forgotton what 2 stroke to petrol mix to use eg 50-1, 40-1, 30-1 etc. any help would be appriciated

newhedgetrimmers.com answers:

Mostly all small 2-stroke engines take a 40-1 mix. Even if that is not the exact amount your equipment calls for, it is still a safe alternative.

Robert asks…

i am looking for spare parts for a macculloch petrol hedge trimmer tivoli 60?

newhedgetrimmers.com answers:

Im afraid you get what you pay for, perhaps you have learnt your lesson, throw it away and spend a bit more next time,

Mark asks…

stihl hedge trimmer?

I just borrowed a stihl petrol hedge trimmer from someone that works on the council and i was wondering where do i find the model number on it as i would like to buy the same one.

newhedgetrimmers.com answers:

The model number starts with HS and then has 2 numbers after it. Usually its on the top of the housing with the pull cord.

Ken asks…

How to mix 2 stroke fuel.2 stroke oil with unleaded petrol.?

I have bought a second hand spear and jackson petrol hedge trimmer. I am using makita DOLMAR 2 stroke oil in a 100ml container. How much fuel mix does this oil make….ei: how many mililitres for one gallon or 5 litres of unleaded fuel.

newhedgetrimmers.com answers:

5 Litres of unleaded petrol to 100ml of 2 stroke oil. This is why it comes in a 100ml container to avoid any mess trying to measure the correct amount. 5L of petrol is a standard petrol can full.