How do I trim a hedge?

Question

I have a 7' high hedge that was perfectly trimmed when I moved here, then I had someone do a terrible job trimming it. There must be a way to trim it evenly and properly.

Answer 1

First figure out how you want the hedge to look Formal or Informal?
I have privet hedges but I trim them informal...In other words I let the branches hang a natural as possible.

I don't cut everything square and even.

PRUNING: PRUNING HEDGES
http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/mg/pruning/hedges.html

http://www.gardenadvice.co.uk/howto/gardenplants/hedges-cutting/index.html
Plants for hedge types
low informal hedges
general informal hedges
mixed wildlife hedges
small formal garden hedges
large formal hedges
wind barrier hedges
hedges for shady areas
hedges for wet areas
hedges for wind swept seaside and very exposed areas
hedges for knot gardens

Answer 2

good question. if the last person butchered your hedge, you may want to let the plants grow out of the trimming. kind of like a bad haircut. once its ready to trim again arethe bushes large leafed or small? if large leaves maybe 4" or more in size. it might be best not to use hedge clippers but instead hand prunners. it will give you a cleaner look when done. also use a snap line to help staying straight for the top of the hedge. also the hedge should be narrower at the top and widden as you go to the bottom. the wide bottom lets more light allowing more leaf groth and fuller look.

Answer 3

It isn't rocket science...Hedge trimmers and a steady hand.

Answer 4

get a ladder and get clipping like