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How to trim hedges

A neatly trimmed green hedge

Overview

Regular hedge trimming not only keeps your garden looking neat but also promotes healthier, thicker, and more symmetrical growth. It helps maintain the hedge’s shape and size, prevents overgrowth into surrounding areas, and improves airflow and light penetration—keeping your plants in top condition.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

1Place the garden stakes

Before you start hedge trimming, it’s a good idea to set up a string line to ensure your hedge remains level and straight. Begin by deciding on the height you want your hedge to be. Insert a garden stake into the ground at each end of the hedge, ensuring they are stable and positioned at the same height. If your hedge is particularly long, add extra stakes along the way to keep the string taut and prevent it from dipping.
Place the garden stakes into the ground

2Tie the garden string

Take one end of the garden string and tie it securely to the first garden stake. Then, stretch the string tightly across to the other stake and tie it at the same height. This will serve as your cutting guide. Step back to check that the string is straight before you begin trimming.
A garden string is tied to the first stake, supporting the hedge.

3Trim the sides

Now that your guide is in place, you can begin hedge trimming. Start at the bottom of the hedge and work your way upwards. This technique prevents debris from falling onto sections you’ve already trimmed, making the process cleaner and more efficient. As you move upwards, keep your hedge trimmer or shears level, and try to maintain a consistent angle for a smooth, even finish. Throughout the process, step back occasionally to assess your work and make any necessary adjustments. This will help ensure your hedge remains symmetrical and neatly shaped.
Start hedge trimming with an electric trimmer

4Trim the top of the hedge

Once the sides are even, it’s time to move on to the top of the hedge. Use the string as a guide, running your hedge trimmer or garden shears gently along it to create a straight, uniform cut. Take your time and trim gradually, as cutting too much at once can stress the plant. The amount you should remove depends on the type of hedge, so it’s best to trim conservatively.
Trim the top of the hedge guided by a taut garden string

5Remove stray leaves

After you’ve trimmed along the string line, check for any overhanging branches or uneven spots. Use your shears to tidy up these areas, stepping back occasionally to review the overall shape.
Remove stray leaves using garden shears

6Clean the area

Once you’re happy with the shape of your hedge, it’s time to clean up. Gather all the trimmings and place them in your green waste bin to keep your garden looking neat and tidy. A final step back will help you spot any areas that may need a quick touch-up before you finish.
Clean freshly trimmed hedge leaves using a rake

7Now that you’ve trimmed your hedges

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. 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 or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.