Hedge-mastering - Assorted hedge/shrub trim pics

[Lopes Lawn Care]

Thanks for the info hedge. I've got a couple older hedge trimmers and was looking to upgrade to something new. I like the articulating head trimmer but I only rent one a couple times a year for a few customers. For most other jobs I just need a normal sized hedge trimmer so I might just go with that for now. Once I get some more regular work that warrants the trimmer you have i'll bite the bullet and pick one up.

[Hedgemaster]

Lawn care business tips

More hedges in need of some work. Before/After... Assorted random shots... Canvas drop cloths down for easy cleanup. How they look in a downpour... After I finished and cleaned up, I JUST put the last item into the truck when the first drops started. I hopped in the truck and it started to POUR! I got lucky. Check it out. It was 85 degrees when it started to rain. Less than ten minutes later... I had to go back another day to finish the rest of the hedges near the house. More pics of those later if you are good.

[brian'slawncare]

Hedge-

That looks fantastic! I bet the neighbors love you for that!

what is your method for getting that perfect "square" look?

[Hedgemaster]

Originally Posted by brian'slawncare

Hedge-

That looks fantastic! I bet the neighbors love you for that!

what is your method for getting that perfect "square" look?

Thanks.


Heh. I dunno... I've just got an eye for it I guess.
If you're talking about the short hedges between the two properties, I generally cut the top first. These are too wide to cut from one side, so I cut half from the street back, then go around and do the other side. After that, I use a leaf rake to get the clippings off the top and go back over the whole top to even it up. I'll kneel down in the street and check to see that I'm cutting them level across the top and "fine tune" any "humps" that I can spot.

For the sides, again, I start at the street and work my way back, cutting from the bottom, up in small sections, the I go back and touch up anything that's still sticking out. I know that hedges are supposed to be "tapered" with a wider base, but I've been cutting THESE hedges (it's my lawn, btw) this way for nearly 20 years with no issues cutting them this square.

After I'm satisfied that they are as straight as possible, I hold the trimmer at an angle (upward), resting it against my side to maintain a uniform height, and walk the length of the hedge barely touching the top corner to buzz off any stray leaves that are sticking up, but not cutting in enough to round it off.

I should get some video the next time I trim them.

[WeekendWarriorLawn]

you do BEAUUUTIFUL work, Hedgemaster. i always look forward to your posts.

[Hedgemaster]

Originally Posted by WeekendWarriorLawn

you do BEAUUUTIFUL work, Hedgemaster. i always look forward to your posts.

Thanks, man.
I was beginning to think I was posting these for nothing. Not many comments.

I guess I'll keep posting.

[Hedgemaster]

Here's the rest of the hedges that I did at the above property a few days later...


Before/After















Before/After






















No rain this time!
I still have a few more things to do at this property to get the beds cleaned up and such, but it's looking much better already.

Yes, keep posting.

I always enjoy seeing your work.

[WeekendWarriorLawn]

please keep posting pics and overall in the forums.

no BS about it, i value your input in my threads and overall as i read what you have to say to folks around here.


it's great to have a real pro around to lend his knowledge. and great to see your work! it makes me want to keep going. a level of precision to look forward to learning.

[Steve]

Another hedge trim. "Square".
Note that these hedges were about 90% "dead" on top due to a heavy frost late this spring when the tender leaves were just coming out. I took about 2" off the entire top and waited a few weeks for them to green back up again.

How do you keep those lines so straight for so long? Do you ever use a guide line? Or is it just eyeballed?