Tools for trimming hedges in summer

We outline which tools are best for each type of hedge.

With secateurs

Plants to prune with secateurs:

· beech
· holly
· hornbeam
· laurel
· mixed shrub hedges
· young privet

Why: on large-leafed hedges, indiscriminate cuts on the leaves caused by shears or hedge trimmers will turn brown.

How: cut back the current season's growth in midsummer, down to two or three buds from the base. Work to a taut string to keep the top and sides of the hedge level.

With shears

Plants to prune with shears:

· box
· established privet
· hawthorn
· Lawson's cypress
· leylandii
· yew

Why: on small-leaved hedges, shears are a quicker alternative to secateurs. The long blades also help to keep hedges level.

How: cut back the top and sides into a neat shape. Trim off the softer, new growth. Clip in July and again in September.

With a hedge-trimmer

Prune with this:

· box
· conifer hedges
· established privet
· hawthorn
· large deciduous hedges
· mixed native hedges

Why: it's time-consuming and tiring to cut large hedges with shears - a hedge-trimmer will make light work of it. The long cutting bar makes it easy to to keep surfaces even and level.

How: cut with a sweeping motion in small sections. Make sure you follow safety advice.