Cedar Hedge Care 101: How to Keep Your Hedges Looking Their Best

Cedar hedges are more than just green walls – they’re living features that define your property’s boundaries, provide privacy, block wind, reduce noise, and add a beautiful natural touch to your landscape. To keep them looking their best, regular maintenance is essential. Neglected hedges can quickly become uneven, thin, unhealthy, and reduce curb appeal.

If your hedges are looking tired, scraggly, or overgrown, don’t worry – with the right care, they can be revitalized. Here’s a detailed guide to bringing your cedar hedges back to life:

Clear Away Debris
Start by raking out dead branches, fallen needles, and old leaves from around and within the hedge. This not only improves appearance but clears the way for sunlight and air, helping new growth thrive.

Feed the Soil
Healthy hedges begin at the roots. Enrich the soil beneath your hedges by spreading nutrient-rich compost, balanced fertilizer, or peat soil. This supports strong root development, boosts mineral uptake, and enhances the hedge’s resilience against disease and pests.

Strategic Trimming
Trim the hedge carefully, starting with the shortest or thinnest branches. If you want the hedge to grow taller, avoid aggressive top pruning. Focus on shaping the sides to encourage uniform, bushy growth. Remember: patience is key; drastic cuts can shock the plant.

Maintain the Right Shape
For optimal strength and symmetry, trim your hedge so the base is slightly wider than the top – this shape allows snow to slide off easily during winter, preventing breakage and maintaining structural integrity.

Regular, But Gentle Maintenance
To keep hedges tidy and healthy, perform light trimming throughout the season. However, avoid cutting back more than one-third of the hedge’s overall size each year. Over-pruning can stress the plant and reduce its density.

Water Wisely
Cedar hedges are thirsty, especially during dry spells. Water deeply and regularly to help roots absorb essential minerals and reduce needle drop. Well-hydrated hedges are greener, thicker, and far more resilient.

Mind the Weather
Never trim hedges during extreme heat. Hot weather increases the risk of stress and sunburn on freshly cut branches. Instead, choose cooler, overcast days or trim in early morning or late afternoon.

Don’t Have the Time (or Patience) for Hedge Care? We’ve Got You Covered!

If maintaining your hedges feels like one chore too many, why not leave it to the pros?

ATC Landscape offers expert cedar hedge trimming and maintenance across Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, and Pitt Meadows. With years of experience, we know exactly how to keep your cedar hedges lush, healthy, and perfectly shaped so you can enjoy a stunning yard without the hassle.

Call us today at 604-720-2853 to schedule your cedar hedge service and give your landscape the care it deserves.