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How to trim hedges

Person trimming a small hedge with power tool.

Overview

Hedges need regular trimming to keep in good shape and promote healthy, dense growth. You should trim 3-4 times per year at the turn of the season for the best results. We'll show you how to trim non-established hedge along the top, leaving the sides to promote growth.

Steps

1Trimming a hedge with manual shears

Start at the end of your hedge and work your way along for a consistent cut. Keep your shears level and you will get a crisp top. If you can, assess your cuts at eye-level to make sure you have done an even job.
Person trimming a small hedge with pruning blade.

2Trimming with battery hedge shears

When trimming hedges with electric or battery-operated shears, it's important to maintain an even flow when you cut. This is the easiest way to get a crisp line on your hedge. Make sure that you keep the trimmer at a horizontal position so you avoid an uneven line.

Person trimming a small hedge with power tool.
Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer. You can also use a simple test kit from Bunnings to indicate the presence of lead-based paint.