Overgrown hedges crowd walkways, press against siding and hide windows. Trimmed on time, the same plants frame the house instead.

When a shrub is trimmed matters as much as how. Spring-flowering shrubs such as lilac and forsythia set next year's buds soon after they bloom, so they are best trimmed right after flowering. Summer bloomers are usually pruned in late winter or early spring. Evergreen hedges are shaped in the growing season.

What is included

Shaping hedges and individual shrubs
Trimming back growth that touches walks, windows, siding or fences
Cleanup of the trimmings
Timing the cut to the type of plant, not just the calendar

A deep green lawn with bold diagonal mowing stripes leading to a brick colonial home, a large shade tree and blooming hydrangeas under a blue summer sky

Timing

When to trim, by type of shrub

Spring bloomers right after they flower, summer bloomers in late winter or early spring, and evergreen hedges during the growing season. If you are not sure what you have, describe it or send a photo of the plant with your request and we will tell you.

Good to know

Questions about hedge & bush trimming

Will trimming my shrubs stop them from flowering?

It can, if the cut is badly timed. Spring-flowering shrubs bloom on growth made the year before, so trimming them in winter removes the flower buds.

How often do hedges need trimming?

Fast growers can need it two or three times a season. Slower shrubs may only need one shaping a year.

Can you cut a hedge down hard if it has gotten out of control?

It depends on the plant. Yews and privet generally take a hard cut and regrow. Junipers do not resprout from bare inner wood, so they are thinned rather than sheared. Tell us what you have and we will say which it is.

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