what is the proper way to trim hedges?

Answer 1

Is this a formal hedge or informal? Formal hedges are often clipped repeatedly into a tight form........hopefully a pyramid with the top removed. Why pyramid? So the sun can reach all the way to the bottom and not be shaded out by growth above. This type pruning is best on small leaf plants, it really tears up larger leaves. Mechanical pruners (hedge clippers) or the manual ones are used. The down side is the denseness that is created shades out interior growth to you end up with leaves just on the outer 1/2 or so. Woe be if something happens and a branch is lost! You have a hole.

Informal hedges are pruned in a more horticulturally kind manner that keeps the plants in bounds but also keeps the plant healthy. Two types of cuts are used, thinning cut and a heading cut. Here's a web site showing the difference: http://www.savvygardener.com/Features/pruning_shrubs.htm