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Manual hedge cutting or electric
Iona3
Posts: 27
Having to think about managing the hedge with an electic cutter, very reluctant because I think it can look too artificial, any thoughts?
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I've noted one or two hedges on my travels and although I don't have anything major against the clipped ones, I do think the handcut hedges look more natural.
Thanks
I use an electric hedge cutter and I wouldn't be without it. Quick and easy and my mixed hedge doesn't look unnatural at all, I do use a hand cutter for my laurel as I took that advice from Geoff Hamilton - remember him - many years ago to avoid having browning half cut leaves spoiling the look of the shrub.
I've had a look at one or two of them, I thought if I kept the blade small the effect would be less boxie.
Geoff Hamilton, I do remember, like listening to a neighbour talking to you over the fence, good advice about the laurel.
The workman is always in charge of his tools. I know what you mean by boxy but with an electric hedge clipper you don't need to cut in straight lines. I just cut all the long stragglers to keep them in order. So quick and so easy. Mine is just a lightweight, relatively cheap one - (Black and Decker 41 cm - other hedge cutters readily available
) as I do not have a massive hedge.
I've got 2 petrol hedgetrimmers one of those long handled jobs for the tall hedges and a regular one. I do like to use shears on topiary though. Very therapeutic.
I use both. Electric for the 4ft privet hedge in the front garden but I tend to use long handled shears for the bit in the back. It's only at the end of the garden (fences at the sides) but is 7ft high and I find it too difficult to hold the weight of the electric ones higher.
I also use hand shears to keep my box shrub tidy, it used to be a ball but I got lazy and cut it square
Thanks for the advice.
I take tips from my hairdresser, go in dense and finish off round the corners, sort of works.
I'll take your advice on board when buying some this weekend, I think keep things small otherwise it'll end up resembling a home cut.
Bought a light weight hedge trimmer the other day, been whizzing round the garden with it like a woman possessed, until I caught the cable.
Fuse box at the ready, one of many I should imagine. Still alive and kicking though.
It could make a big difference what the particular hedge plants are like naturally.
My amelanchia hedge is loose and wilder looking. I am trying to trim it up a bit more but I rather like the more natural look. Some plants look better if they are not chopped back to rigidly suit our standards of neatness.
'You must have some bread with it me duck!'