Overgrown Hedges

The two types of pruning techniques for overgrown hedges is Rejuvenation Pruning and Renewal Pruning. The method that is more appropriate depends on the size and volume of your hedge and the hedge type. Rejuvenation pruning is more aggressive and not all hedge species can tolerate the severity of this level of
trimming.

Both types of pruning are best initiated mid-late winter, as hedges are their most more dormant at this time of year. Pruning before buds are produced will enable all of the plant’s energy to be used toward re-growth. If buds have begun to break, it will take longer for the hedge to produce new shoots and fill-out.

REJUVENATION PRUNING
Hedges that are in poor health or stressed may not survive this style of pruning. Typically branches are trimmed at or near ground level, healthy hedges will respond by growing new shoots. The re-growth will need to be trimmed appropriately to reduce competition and begin to form the required shape of the hedge. Evergreen shrubs will not tolerate rejuvenation pruning.

RENEWAL PRUNING
Renewal pruning is the gentler style of pruning overgrown hedges and a process of reducing your hedge size over several years. Approximately one third of the hedge is removed each year and typically is done over a three to four year period. Thinning branches back to the main stem or crown, allows for light to
penetrate allowing for new shoots to sprout. As with rejuvenation pruning, re-growth will require regular trimming to promote healthy growth throughout your hedge.