Hedge trimming

 When to Trim Hedges
The timing for trimming hedges in the Midwest depends on the type of shrub and its growth cycle:

1. Spring-Blooming Shrubs (e.g., lilacs, forsythia):
   • Best Time: Trim immediately after they finish blooming (late spring to early summer).
   • Why: These shrubs set buds on old wood, so pruning too late could remove next year’s blooms.

1. Summer-Blooming Shrubs (e.g., butterfly bush, spirea):
   • Best Time: Late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
   • Why: These shrubs bloom on new wood, so pruning encourages healthy growth and more flowers.

1. Evergreen Hedges (e.g., boxwood, yew):
   • Best Time: Late spring or early summer.
   • Why: This allows trimming after the first flush of growth but gives the hedge time to recover before winter.

1. Deciduous Hedges:
   • Best Time: Early spring for shaping or mid-to-late summer for touch-ups.
   • Why: These shrubs benefit from pruning during their active growing season, promoting a fuller, healthier shape.

Why Trim Hedges?
Regular trimming provides both aesthetic and functional benefits:

1. Improved Appearance:
   • Keeps hedges neat and enhances the overall look of your landscape.
   • Shapes the hedge to complement the design of your property.

1. Promotes Healthy Growth:
   • Removes dead, diseased, or overgrown branches, encouraging healthy and dense growth.
   • Prevents shading of lower branches, ensuring the entire plant receives sunlight.

1. Pest and Disease Prevention:
   • Removes areas where pests or fungi can thrive.
   • Improves airflow, reducing the risk of diseases caused by moisture buildup.

1. Safety and Functionality:
   • Prevents hedges from encroaching on walkways, driveways, or structures.
   • Maintains visibility and safety near entrances and roads.