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smileygonzo1961 29-07-2004 04:08 PM

Can I trim a beech hedge with a petrol hedge cutter?
 
hi guys,

ou new garden has a beech hedge and I wondered whether I could cut it with a
hedge cutter or do I need to prune it by hand using shears? are there any
benefits/disadvantes cutter vs. shears?

I don't want to try the cutter if it will damage the hedge.......

any ideas anyone.

many thanx,
smileygonzo1961



Oxymel of Squill 29-07-2004 05:40 PM

Can I trim a beech hedge with a petrol hedge cutter?
 
of course not, beech hedge cutters are for beech hedges and petrol hedge
cutters are for petrol hedges


"smileygonzo1961" wrote in message
...
hi guys,

ou new garden has a beech hedge and I wondered whether I could cut it with

a
hedge cutter or do I need to prune it by hand using shears? are there any
benefits/disadvantes cutter vs. shears?

I don't want to try the cutter if it will damage the hedge.......

any ideas anyone.

many thanx,
smileygonzo1961





Oxymel of Squill 29-07-2004 05:40 PM

Can I trim a beech hedge with a petrol hedge cutter?
 
of course not, beech hedge cutters are for beech hedges and petrol hedge
cutters are for petrol hedges


"smileygonzo1961" wrote in message
...
hi guys,

ou new garden has a beech hedge and I wondered whether I could cut it with

a
hedge cutter or do I need to prune it by hand using shears? are there any
benefits/disadvantes cutter vs. shears?

I don't want to try the cutter if it will damage the hedge.......

any ideas anyone.

many thanx,
smileygonzo1961





Oxymel of Squill 29-07-2004 05:40 PM

Can I trim a beech hedge with a petrol hedge cutter?
 
of course not, beech hedge cutters are for beech hedges and petrol hedge
cutters are for petrol hedges


"smileygonzo1961" wrote in message
...
hi guys,

ou new garden has a beech hedge and I wondered whether I could cut it with

a
hedge cutter or do I need to prune it by hand using shears? are there any
benefits/disadvantes cutter vs. shears?

I don't want to try the cutter if it will damage the hedge.......

any ideas anyone.

many thanx,
smileygonzo1961





nambucca 29-07-2004 06:56 PM

Can I trim a beech hedge with a petrol hedge cutter?
 

"smileygonzo1961" wrote in message
...
hi guys,

ou new garden has a beech hedge and I wondered whether I could cut it with

a
hedge cutter or do I need to prune it by hand using shears? are there any
benefits/disadvantes cutter vs. shears?

I don't want to try the cutter if it will damage the hedge.......

any ideas anyone.

many thanx,
smileygonzo1961

IMHO its better to use secateurs on a beech hedge but plenty of people do

use shears or hedge trimmers



nambucca 29-07-2004 06:56 PM

Can I trim a beech hedge with a petrol hedge cutter?
 

"smileygonzo1961" wrote in message
...
hi guys,

ou new garden has a beech hedge and I wondered whether I could cut it with

a
hedge cutter or do I need to prune it by hand using shears? are there any
benefits/disadvantes cutter vs. shears?

I don't want to try the cutter if it will damage the hedge.......

any ideas anyone.

many thanx,
smileygonzo1961

IMHO its better to use secateurs on a beech hedge but plenty of people do

use shears or hedge trimmers



Jim S 29-07-2004 09:30 PM

Can I trim a beech hedge with a petrol hedge cutter?
 
There are no problems at all in using a petrol/electric hedgecutter.
Especially if its a long hedge :)


"nambucca" wrote in message
...

"smileygonzo1961" wrote in message
...
hi guys,

ou new garden has a beech hedge and I wondered whether I could cut it

with
a
hedge cutter or do I need to prune it by hand using shears? are there

any
benefits/disadvantes cutter vs. shears?

I don't want to try the cutter if it will damage the hedge.......

any ideas anyone.

many thanx,
smileygonzo1961

IMHO its better to use secateurs on a beech hedge but plenty of people

do
use shears or hedge trimmers





Jim S 29-07-2004 09:30 PM

Can I trim a beech hedge with a petrol hedge cutter?
 
There are no problems at all in using a petrol/electric hedgecutter.
Especially if its a long hedge :)


"nambucca" wrote in message
...

"smileygonzo1961" wrote in message
...
hi guys,

ou new garden has a beech hedge and I wondered whether I could cut it

with
a
hedge cutter or do I need to prune it by hand using shears? are there

any
benefits/disadvantes cutter vs. shears?

I don't want to try the cutter if it will damage the hedge.......

any ideas anyone.

many thanx,
smileygonzo1961

IMHO its better to use secateurs on a beech hedge but plenty of people

do
use shears or hedge trimmers





Nick Gray 29-07-2004 09:52 PM

Can I trim a beech hedge with a petrol hedge cutter?
 

"smileygonzo1961" wrote in message
...
hi guys,

ou new garden has a beech hedge and I wondered whether I could cut it with

a
hedge cutter or do I need to prune it by hand using shears? are there any
benefits/disadvantes cutter vs. shears?

I don't want to try the cutter if it will damage the hedge.......

any ideas anyone.

many thanx,
smileygonzo1961

I used to use a hedge cutter on my 200ft beech hedge, but have since found
that using secateurs I can 'prune' branches to up or sideways pointing buds,
thus thickening up the hedge.

BTW It's best to leave pruning until the hedge is dormant, although I find
that pruning in the depths of winter, removes a lot of the brown leaves, so
I tend to leave until spring.

Cheers

Nick
http://www.ukgardening.co.uk




Nick Gray 29-07-2004 09:52 PM

Can I trim a beech hedge with a petrol hedge cutter?
 

"smileygonzo1961" wrote in message
...
hi guys,

ou new garden has a beech hedge and I wondered whether I could cut it with

a
hedge cutter or do I need to prune it by hand using shears? are there any
benefits/disadvantes cutter vs. shears?

I don't want to try the cutter if it will damage the hedge.......

any ideas anyone.

many thanx,
smileygonzo1961

I used to use a hedge cutter on my 200ft beech hedge, but have since found
that using secateurs I can 'prune' branches to up or sideways pointing buds,
thus thickening up the hedge.

BTW It's best to leave pruning until the hedge is dormant, although I find
that pruning in the depths of winter, removes a lot of the brown leaves, so
I tend to leave until spring.

Cheers

Nick
http://www.ukgardening.co.uk




Sacha 29-07-2004 11:39 PM

Can I trim a beech hedge with a petrol hedge cutter?
 
On 29/7/04 16:08, in article ,
"smileygonzo1961" wrote:

hi guys,

ou new garden has a beech hedge and I wondered whether I could cut it with a
hedge cutter or do I need to prune it by hand using shears? are there any
benefits/disadvantes cutter vs. shears?

I don't want to try the cutter if it will damage the hedge.......


I'll admit straight away that I've never trimmed a beech hedge but imagine
all those many, many yards of them in some houses. I doubt most seriously
that they use shears in all cases
--
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.co.uk
South Devon
(remove the weeds to email me)
.. Start lightly and with caution.


Sacha 29-07-2004 11:39 PM

Can I trim a beech hedge with a petrol hedge cutter?
 
On 29/7/04 16:08, in article ,
"smileygonzo1961" wrote:

hi guys,

ou new garden has a beech hedge and I wondered whether I could cut it with a
hedge cutter or do I need to prune it by hand using shears? are there any
benefits/disadvantes cutter vs. shears?

I don't want to try the cutter if it will damage the hedge.......


I'll admit straight away that I've never trimmed a beech hedge but imagine
all those many, many yards of them in some houses. I doubt most seriously
that they use shears in all cases
--
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.co.uk
South Devon
(remove the weeds to email me)
.. Start lightly and with caution.


Martin Brown 30-07-2004 08:03 AM

Can I trim a beech hedge with a petrol hedge cutter?
 
In message , Nick
Gray writes

"smileygonzo1961" wrote in message
...
hi guys,

ou new garden has a beech hedge and I wondered whether I could cut it with

a
hedge cutter or do I need to prune it by hand using shears? are there any
benefits/disadvantes cutter vs. shears?


Yes. You get left with a few half leaves using a hedge cutter. But you
can always go over it with secateurs afterwards to neaten it up, and
chose good buds. I am presently working on thinning my hedges.

I don't want to try the cutter if it will damage the hedge.......


Most plants used for hedging are pretty tolerant of abuse. I generally
trim out the sappy new growth with the hedge trimmer from time to time.
Earlier in the year I had trouble with clouds of white fly cutting it in
leaf.

I used to use a hedge cutter on my 200ft beech hedge, but have since found
that using secateurs I can 'prune' branches to up or sideways pointing buds,
thus thickening up the hedge.

BTW It's best to leave pruning until the hedge is dormant, although I find
that pruning in the depths of winter, removes a lot of the brown leaves, so
I tend to leave until spring.


Mine doesn't seem to mind when it is cut. The new growth comes back
within a few weeks mid season so any temporary damage to leaves is
quickly masked.

Regards,
--
Martin Brown

Martin Brown 30-07-2004 08:03 AM

Can I trim a beech hedge with a petrol hedge cutter?
 
In message , Nick
Gray writes

"smileygonzo1961" wrote in message
...
hi guys,

ou new garden has a beech hedge and I wondered whether I could cut it with

a
hedge cutter or do I need to prune it by hand using shears? are there any
benefits/disadvantes cutter vs. shears?


Yes. You get left with a few half leaves using a hedge cutter. But you
can always go over it with secateurs afterwards to neaten it up, and
chose good buds. I am presently working on thinning my hedges.

I don't want to try the cutter if it will damage the hedge.......


Most plants used for hedging are pretty tolerant of abuse. I generally
trim out the sappy new growth with the hedge trimmer from time to time.
Earlier in the year I had trouble with clouds of white fly cutting it in
leaf.

I used to use a hedge cutter on my 200ft beech hedge, but have since found
that using secateurs I can 'prune' branches to up or sideways pointing buds,
thus thickening up the hedge.

BTW It's best to leave pruning until the hedge is dormant, although I find
that pruning in the depths of winter, removes a lot of the brown leaves, so
I tend to leave until spring.


Mine doesn't seem to mind when it is cut. The new growth comes back
within a few weeks mid season so any temporary damage to leaves is
quickly masked.

Regards,
--
Martin Brown

Paul D.Smith 30-07-2004 08:53 AM

Can I trim a beech hedge with a petrol hedge cutter?
 
[snip]
I used to use a hedge cutter on my 200ft beech hedge, but have since found
that using secateurs I can 'prune' branches to up or sideways pointing

buds,
thus thickening up the hedge.

BTW It's best to leave pruning until the hedge is dormant, although I find
that pruning in the depths of winter, removes a lot of the brown leaves,

so
I tend to leave until spring.


I've also read that when you want to reduce the height of a hedge, you cut
back to about one foot lower that you want, which allows the bush to grow
naturally up to your preferred height rather than just looking hacked off.
This presumably applies more to a "thorough overhaul" than a regular trim!
I imagine similar applies to cutting a hedge back too.

Paul DS.



Paul D.Smith 30-07-2004 08:53 AM

Can I trim a beech hedge with a petrol hedge cutter?
 
[snip]
I used to use a hedge cutter on my 200ft beech hedge, but have since found
that using secateurs I can 'prune' branches to up or sideways pointing

buds,
thus thickening up the hedge.

BTW It's best to leave pruning until the hedge is dormant, although I find
that pruning in the depths of winter, removes a lot of the brown leaves,

so
I tend to leave until spring.


I've also read that when you want to reduce the height of a hedge, you cut
back to about one foot lower that you want, which allows the bush to grow
naturally up to your preferred height rather than just looking hacked off.
This presumably applies more to a "thorough overhaul" than a regular trim!
I imagine similar applies to cutting a hedge back too.

Paul DS.



Victoria Clare 30-07-2004 09:53 AM

Can I trim a beech hedge with a petrol hedge cutter?
 
"smileygonzo1961" wrote in
:

hi guys,

ou new garden has a beech hedge and I wondered whether I could cut it
with a hedge cutter or do I need to prune it by hand using shears? are
there any benefits/disadvantes cutter vs. shears?

I don't want to try the cutter if it will damage the hedge.......


I use my electric hedgecutter on mine, and very much doubt that it can
detect the difference in power source!

Victoria
--
gardening on a north-facing hill
in South-East Cornwall
--

Victoria Clare 30-07-2004 09:53 AM

Can I trim a beech hedge with a petrol hedge cutter?
 
"smileygonzo1961" wrote in
:

hi guys,

ou new garden has a beech hedge and I wondered whether I could cut it
with a hedge cutter or do I need to prune it by hand using shears? are
there any benefits/disadvantes cutter vs. shears?

I don't want to try the cutter if it will damage the hedge.......


I use my electric hedgecutter on mine, and very much doubt that it can
detect the difference in power source!

Victoria
--
gardening on a north-facing hill
in South-East Cornwall
--

Kay 30-07-2004 07:09 PM

Can I trim a beech hedge with a petrol hedge cutter?
 
In article , Sacha
writes
On 29/7/04 16:08, in article ,
"smileygonzo1961" wrote:

hi guys,

ou new garden has a beech hedge and I wondered whether I could cut it with a
hedge cutter or do I need to prune it by hand using shears? are there any
benefits/disadvantes cutter vs. shears?

I don't want to try the cutter if it will damage the hedge.......


I'll admit straight away that I've never trimmed a beech hedge but imagine
all those many, many yards of them in some houses. I doubt most seriously
that they use shears in all cases


I don't see there'd be any difference between shears and hedge trimmer.
Both chop indiscriminately. The only difference I can see would be
between that and the controlled cutting with secateurs.
--
Kay
"Do not insult the crocodile until you have crossed the river"


Kay 30-07-2004 07:09 PM

Can I trim a beech hedge with a petrol hedge cutter?
 
In article , Sacha
writes
On 29/7/04 16:08, in article ,
"smileygonzo1961" wrote:

hi guys,

ou new garden has a beech hedge and I wondered whether I could cut it with a
hedge cutter or do I need to prune it by hand using shears? are there any
benefits/disadvantes cutter vs. shears?

I don't want to try the cutter if it will damage the hedge.......


I'll admit straight away that I've never trimmed a beech hedge but imagine
all those many, many yards of them in some houses. I doubt most seriously
that they use shears in all cases


I don't see there'd be any difference between shears and hedge trimmer.
Both chop indiscriminately. The only difference I can see would be
between that and the controlled cutting with secateurs.
--
Kay
"Do not insult the crocodile until you have crossed the river"


Landscaper Nick 19-03-2007 01:34 PM

It'll be fine... As long as the hedge you are cutting isnt overly thick and the cutter is a good one and not tearing the plant too much. We use petrol hedgecutters for beech hedges often check out my site - www.newgenlandscapes.co.uk we do allsorts!

RdeVC 27-09-2008 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul D.Smith (Post 443073)

I've also read that when you want to reduce the height of a hedge, you cut
back to about one foot lower that you want, which allows the bush to grow
naturally up to your preferred height rather than just looking hacked off.
This presumably applies more to a "thorough overhaul" than a regular trim!
I imagine similar applies to cutting a hedge back too.

Paul DS.

Hi I am new to this forum and very much a learner when it comes to gardening.

We have a beech hedge running down the side of our property and one at the front. The one at the front has got a "bit" out of control and needs a thorough cut back - I would like to take at least a foot off the width - cutting the south facing side back, plus a good couple of feet from the top. What time of year should I do this?

Regards

Richard

Janet Conroy 27-09-2008 11:50 PM

We had a 70 ft. beech hedge at our previous house and the old man attacked it with an electric hedge trimmer several times a year. The people on the other side went at it with shears, but there was no difference in the finished result. I think it's important to chop back vertical shoots quite regularly, otherwise the leaders get rather thick and are hard to cut back. Whatever, it's infinitely preferable to privet and looks great when brown in the winter.


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