A hedge should always be in shape. But when is the right time to cut without breaking the law and hitting the right time?
Hedges are part of a tidy picture in most gardens - be it as a privacy screen, demarcation from the street or simply as a decorative element. Hedges made of hornbeam, cherry laurel or conifers such as yew hedges are particularly popular. In order for these to always keep the desired shape, a sufficient cut is necessary. However, you should not just start cutting during the summer, because there are a few things to consider. We'll show you what to look out for when trimming the perfect hedge.
Hedge trimming: When does the law allow it?
When cutting your hedge, you should always observe the Federal Nature Conservation Act, which regulates, among other things, when you are allowed to cut your hedge in Germany. The law prohibits heavy pruning such as cutting down to the stick or cutting perennial branches on hedges between March 1st and September 30th. The background to this is the protection of birds that nest inside the bushes. However, the law permits light pruning work in summer (preferably after the birds have taken care of their brood from the end of June). However, the prerequisite for this is that hedges are not severely trimmed and that nesting birds are taken into account.
Pay attention to the following points when cutting at the right time:
- Permitted time for heavy hedge trimming: October 1st - February 28th
- Between March 1st and September 30th only light pruning allowed in consideration of possible nesting birds
Hedge cutting in winter when there is frost?
Many people plan on trimming their hedge for fall, but don't get to it until winter. An important question is therefore: Is it safe to cut hedges in frost? Basically, one can say that a strong pruning should only be carried out in the winter months.On the one hand, nature conservation reasons play a role, on the other hand, the plant tolerates pruning better when the plant no longer has any leaves. As a rule, cold temperatures of a few degrees below zero are not a problem, but you should still refrain from pruning in even colder weather, otherwise the hedge could be damaged.
Hedge cutting: Can the neighboring property be entered?
Everyone who has a lush hedge as a privacy screen from the neighboring property will at some point ask themselves the question: Am I actually allowed to enter the neighboring property to trim the hedge? You should know that entering the neighboring garden without permission is generally not permitted. So always check with your neighbor beforehand or, if in doubt, try trimming the hedge from your side of the property.
Hedge cutting: procedure in 4 steps
Depending on the type of hedge, trim it once or several times a year. Do this as follows:
- In the winter months after the leaves have fallen, it is first time to cut the deciduous hedges such as hornbeam, beech or hawthorn. Be careful not to cut at sub-zero temperatures.
- Evergreen deciduous hedges such as cherry laurel are best trimmed in February, before the bird protection season begins.
- Some flowering hedges such as forsythia should not be pruned in the fall, otherwise they may not flower in the spring. Cut off the spent shoots in the spring after flowering.
- Further light trimmings may be made to all hedges as the year progresses as long as nesting birds are not discouraged.
These products are ideal for trimming your shrubs, hedges and trees:
- Felco Secateurs: Top-of-the-line manual pruning shears, pruning shears, recommended for all types of pruning. In addition to plastic-coated handles, it has a precision adjustment system for the blade and anvil.
- Felco Fruit Tree and Pruning Shears: Heavy duty fruit tree and pruning shears with wire cutter, sap groove and micrometer adjustment.
- Gardena telescopic arm scissors: Practical secateurs for effortlessly cutting tall trees and dense bushes from the ground.
Felco Orchard And Secateurs No 6€31.99Details →
GARDENA Telescope StarCut 410 plus€84.45Details →