To shape a hedge, begin pruning when plants are small and continue throughout the life of the plants. A hedge requires more pruning than other plants because a formal shape is desired. In general, a hedge should be pruned so that it is broader at the base than at the top.
Both deciduous and evergreen plants are used for hedges, and the methods of pruning vary somewhat.
Occasionally the lower part of a hedge consists of old
woody stems, bare of leaves--all the leaves and flowers are
produced at the tops of the plants. A spirea, privet or
forsythia hedge can be cut back to the ground in late
winter. The new growth that develops can then be shaped
as recommended.
Some plants used for a hedge, such as burning bush and
viburnum cannot be cut back this drastically but will
tolerate a gradual cutback. Cut back one third of the
oldest woody stems to the ground. This will allow young
growth to develop. Cut back the other growth one-third to
one-half or more to encourage branching. If this is done
over a period of two or three years, it will be possible
to get the hedge in shape.
Remember to prune to keep the base broader than the top. Pruning during the summer to remove feathery new growth is all that is usually required. Certain evergreens, such as yews, are more suited for growing as a hedge than others, so select plants carefully.
Deciduous plants used for screening should be pruned as if they were individual specimen plants. Evergreens used as screens are generally the larger types, such as spruce, pine, arborvitae, hemlock and upright junipers. Most of these plants should be allowed to grow naturally.
Trimming Hedges | Controlling Weeds | Attracting Humming birds | Back to Top
Weeds can make ornamental plantings look unsightly. Weeds also may harbor insects and diseases that may cause problems on more desirable ornamental plants. The weeds will also compete for light or use water and nutrients that ornamental plants could use for growth. Successful weed control depends on preventive methods, proper weed identification, and the timely use of cultivation or chemicals.
Mulching is the easiest way to prevent weed problems in your landscape. These materials shade out weed seeds located under the mulch and also prevent the weed seeds on top of the mulch from making contact with the soil. Mulching will not solve all your weed problems but will make life a lot easier. Pre-emergence herbicides are another option for preventing weeds in the landscape. Products like Preen®, and weed preventing products, keep seeds from germinating and growing. They do not effect existing weeds, so you must apply these products before you have weeds, either in the early spring or right after you've cleaned up a bed.
Post-emergent, non-selective herbicides can be used effectively to control established weeds. Round Up® and Finale® are two of the common brands on the market. These products do not differentiate between weeds and ornamental plants. If they are applied improperly, they can injure ornamentals. The most serious problems occur if you use them when it's windy. If the wind is blowing and the spray drifts, these chemicals will injure the trees and shrubs. These products are systemic and travel through the plant and dill the top and the roots, making them very effective against perennial weeds. For tough weeds more than one application may be necessary. The products mentioned leave no residual in the soil. The weeds will die in one to two weeks and you can plant or sow seeds in the same location. When trying to control existing weeds in established planting, direct the spray at close range to individual weeds. It only takes a drop or two to kill the weeds. Another option is apply these products with a sponge or paint bush. Use gloves when doing this and again be careful only to apply the material to the weeds.
Products that are designed and sold to control existing broadleaf weeds in lawns, should no be used in planting beds. Care should also be taken not to let lawn weed control products drift onto planting beds.
Trimming Hedges | Controlling Weeds | Attracting Humming birds | Back to Top
The following table cites plants useful in the attraction of hummingbirds: (note the numbers following the plant name represents the month of bloom and is followed by the color of the flower)
