Want your garden to look neat and inviting? At Leicester Tree Services, we know a well-trimmed hedge can transform your yard, making it feel tidy and full of charm. Hedges are like living fences—they frame your property, add privacy, and bring nature closer to home. But keeping them in shape takes the right tools and a keen eye for design. We’re here to share how we use our hedge trimming tools and expert techniques to create beautiful, healthy hedges that make your outdoor space shine. Let’s dive into the tools we use and the art of shaping and designing hedges to suit your style.
Why Hedge Trimming Matters
Hedges do more than just look pretty. They act as barriers for privacy, block wind, and even reduce noise from busy streets. A well-maintained hedge also keeps your garden looking polished and supports the plants’ health. Without regular trimming, hedges can grow wild, block sunlight from other plants, or become thin and patchy. At Leicester Tree Services, we trim hedges to keep them thick, healthy, and shaped just the way you want. Whether you like a classic boxy look or something more creative, we’ve got the tools and skills to make it happen.
The Tools We Use for Hedge Trimming
Trimming hedges requires precision and care, so we use a range of tools to get the job done right. Each tool has a specific purpose, and we choose the best one for the size and type of hedge we’re working on. Here’s a look at the equipment we rely on to keep your hedges looking their best.
Hedge Trimmers
Hedge trimmers are our go-to tool for most hedge jobs. These are handheld machines with sharp blades that move back and forth to cut branches cleanly. We use both electric and battery-powered trimmers because they’re quieter and don’t produce fumes, which is better for your yard and the environment. For smaller hedges or detailed shaping, we use lightweight trimmers with shorter blades for better control. For larger, thicker hedges, we bring out heavy-duty trimmers with longer blades to cut through tougher branches.
Our team always checks the blades before starting to make sure they’re sharp and clean. Sharp blades make smooth cuts that help the hedge heal quickly and stay healthy. We also clean the trimmers between jobs to prevent spreading plant diseases. Safety is key, so we wear gloves, goggles, and ear protection while trimming to stay safe from flying twigs and noise.
Hand Shears
For smaller hedges or fine detailing, we use hand shears. These are like big scissors with long handles, perfect for shaping soft, leafy hedges or adding precise touches to a design. Hand shears give us more control than powered trimmers, so we use them when we want to create smooth curves or intricate patterns. They’re also great for young hedges that need gentle trimming to encourage growth.
Using hand shears takes skill and patience, but our team loves the challenge. We make sure every cut is clean to keep the hedge healthy and looking sharp. Hand shears are quiet, so they’re ideal for jobs in small gardens or near neighbors who don’t want to be disturbed.
Pole Trimmers
Some hedges are tall or hard to reach, like those along fences or at the back of a garden. For these, we use pole trimmers. These are long poles with a trimming blade at the end, allowing us to cut high branches without climbing a ladder. Pole trimmers can be powered or manual, depending on the job. They help us shape the top of tall hedges evenly and safely.
Our team is trained to use pole trimmers carefully to avoid damaging the hedge or nearby plants. We adjust the angle of the blade to get the perfect cut, even in tricky spots. Pole trimmers let us work efficiently while keeping our feet firmly on the ground.
Ladders and Platforms
For very tall or wide hedges, we sometimes need ladders or small platforms to reach the top. We use sturdy, stable ladders designed for outdoor work to keep our team safe. For bigger jobs, we might bring in a small platform lift to make trimming easier and safer. These tools help us reach every part of the hedge so we can create a uniform shape without missing any spots.
Safety is always first. We check ladders and platforms before each job to make sure they’re secure. Our team also uses harnesses or safety ropes when working at height to prevent falls. This careful approach lets us trim even the tallest hedges with confidence.
Cleanup Tools
After trimming, we’re left with clippings and debris. We use rakes, brooms, and leaf blowers to clean up the area and leave your yard tidy. For larger jobs, we might bring a tarp to catch clippings as we work, making cleanup faster. We collect all the trimmings and recycle them into compost or mulch whenever possible. If you want to keep the clippings for your garden, just let us know, and we’ll leave them for you.
Shaping and Designing Your Hedges
Trimming a hedge is about more than just cutting branches—it’s about creating a shape that looks good and fits your yard. At Leicester Tree Services, we treat hedge trimming like an art. Whether you want a simple, clean look or something bold and creative, we work with you to design hedges that match your vision.
Basic Shaping for a Classic Look
Many people love the classic, boxy hedge shape—straight sides, flat tops, and clean lines. This style works great for formal gardens or as a boundary around your property. To achieve it, we use hedge trimmers to cut the sides and top evenly, checking with a level or string line to keep everything straight. We trim lightly and often to encourage the hedge to grow thick and dense, which makes it better for privacy and wind protection.
We also pay attention to the hedge’s health. We cut at the right angle to let sunlight reach the lower branches, which helps the hedge stay full and green. Regular trimming keeps the shape crisp and prevents the hedge from getting too tall or wide.
Creative Designs for Unique Gardens
If you want something more exciting, we can create custom shapes for your hedges. Rounded edges, curves, or even sculpted designs like arches or waves are possible with the right tools and skills. Hand shears are perfect for these detailed jobs because they let us shape the hedge with precision. For taller hedges, pole trimmers help us carve out unique patterns without sacrificing safety.
Before we start, we talk to you about your ideas. Some customers want a modern, flowing design, while others prefer fun shapes like animals or geometric patterns. We sketch out the plan and make sure the hedge’s size and type can handle the design. Our goal is to create a hedge that stands out and makes your garden feel special.
Timing and Care for Healthy Hedges
Trimming at the right time is key to keeping hedges healthy. We usually trim in late spring or early summer, when plants are growing but not stressed by heat. For some hedges, like evergreens, we might trim again in late summer to keep the shape tight. We avoid trimming during nesting season to protect birds and follow local rules about wildlife.
We also check for signs of pests or disease while trimming. If we spot anything unusual, like yellowing leaves or weak growth, we’ll let you know and suggest ways to help the hedge recover. Our team knows how to trim without harming the plant, so it grows back stronger and healthier.
Why Choose Leicester Tree Services for Hedge Trimming?
At Leicester Tree Services, we’re passionate about making your hedges look amazing. Our team uses modern, well-maintained tools to trim with precision and care. We follow safety guidelines to protect your property and our workers. Whether your hedge needs a quick tidy-up or a bold new design, we listen to your needs and deliver results that make you smile.
We also care about the environment. We recycle hedge clippings into mulch or compost, reducing waste and helping your garden thrive. Our team cleans up after every job, leaving your yard spotless. We’re proud to serve Leicester and nearby areas with friendly, reliable service you can trust.
Get in Touch Today
Ready to give your hedges a fresh look? Contact Leicester Tree Services today. We’ll visit your property, talk about your ideas, and create a plan to shape your hedges just the way you want. Whether it’s a simple trim or a creative design, we’ve got the tools and skills to make it happen. Call, email, or visit our website for a free quote. Let’s make your garden look its best, one hedge at a time.
Leicester Tree Services
6 St Georges Way
Leicester
LE1 1SH
Phone: 01164035555
