All hedges will require some pruning to remove dead and diseased wood and wayward branches. Other than that, the style of hedge and the plants themselves determine how you prune to shape the hedge.

For a formal hedge, prune deciduous plants back to about half their size in fall, to encourage growth in the lower part of the plant. Fast-growing evergreens with broad leaves can also be pruned back at this time, though not as severely. Small-leafed evergreens don’t need to be cut but can be shaped by pinching or removing branches that are growing out of bounds.

Once established, formal hedges should be pruned while growing in spring. The plants don’t need to be individually cut. Instead, shear the sides and top with hedge clippers or a hedge trimmer to create your final desired shape. Common shapes include rectangular, cone-shaped, or rounded. In any case, taper the sides so they are wider at the bottom than at the top. This will allow sunshine to reach the lower branches and prevent them from thinning out. Fast-growing plants may need to be pruned again before midsummer, and you’ll always want to remove any wayward branches.

Semiformal hedges are pruned at the same time as formal hedges. Shearing isn’t good for these plants as it will leave bare spots and exposed cuts. Instead, use pruning shears to cut individual branches.

Informal hedges don’t need to be pruned after planting; instead, periodically pinch-back the tips to keep the plants bushy. You may need to continue pinching the second year as well. Beyond that, prune as needed, following the regular recommendations for the individual plants.

More about hedges:

• Hedges main page
  
• Types of Hedges
• Planting Hedges
• Caring for Hedges

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