Video: Pruning a sick hedge.....

[Steiner]

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/video/0,,1630936,00.html

Never saw this technique. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

-chris

[rob7233]

This is called rehabilitating a hedge. It is the proper way to reduce the size or correct problems of a hedge that's been neglected, overgrown or more commonly improperly maintained (maintaining formal hedges lead to these type of problems).

The end result is reduced pest and pathogen problems, reducing stress to the plant, retraining and reshaping a hedge and increasing the plants future resistance and increasing overall health. It will not correct a hedge that's been improperly planted or planted in the wrong place.

The real issue is most clients don't keep you around long enough to provide this consistent and long term practice. The client needs to trust that you really know what your doing. Also, the direction of the bevel cuts will determine the direction the new growth will go.

[diamondlandscaping]

is this also known as "pocket pruning?"

[Smallaxe]

The video itself was unavailable to me when I clicked on it, but , I read the instructional part and it is right on target for what they needed to do with over grown neglected hedges.
Surely you learned this in Botany 101...

[Steiner]

No its not that I don't use this technique on other plants but I thought with everyone using power hedge trimmers to box these type of shrubs out it looks kinda pointless. Do you guys shape then thin inside to promote sun and airflow or do you wait till there is a problem with the shrub?

[shovelracer]

We do a little of both and have had good results. We will reduce the plant in the beginning of the season when it fills in quick. Then near the end we shape the plant to give the customer that manicured appearance they want over the winter.

[Kate Butler]

Most "production" landscapers do NOT do this sort of pruning because it is time-consuming and it's something that most clients don't know enough to ask about. It's called 'rejuvenation' pruning around here.

It's a technique that benefits many types of shrubs - not just the geometric evergreens (grotesquely shaped, IMO - don't get me started). It's a very useful technique for keeping some of the rowdier shrubs (lilacs, forsythias, spireas etc..) controlled and still capable of producing blooms.

[SpruceLandscape]

IMO the biggest problem is that clients (whether single homeowners, commercial clients, or associations) don't want to pay the minimal amount already associated with just using hedge trimmers let alone the amount it costs to spend the right amount of time shaping and pruning.

[Kate Butler]

IMO the biggest problem is that clients (whether single homeowners, commercial clients, or associations) don't want to pay the minimal amount already associated with just using hedge trimmers let alone the amount it costs to spend the right amount of time shaping and pruning.

Sad, but true.