Steve’s Secret to Perfect Hedges 

Steve’s Secret to Perfect Hedges 

(and why mine was… politely removed from duty)

One of the most common questions we get from visitors is:
“How do you keep your hedges so full, green, and dense right to the ground?”

The answer is simple — it’s all in the way Steve prunes them.

All of our hedges around the house garden — including Buxus, Escallonia and Michelia — are pruned using what’s known as a tapered hedge shape (also called an A-frame, triangular, or trapezoidal hedge profile).

Why a tapered hedge works (the technical bit)

Instead of cutting hedges straight up and down, Steve always prunes them narrower at the top and wider at the base. Over time, as the hedge grows out, it naturally fills into a strong rectangular shape — but with the crucial tapered structure underneath.

This method is widely recommended by horticulturists because:

✔ More light reaches the lower branches

✔ Prevents the base from thinning or going woody

✔ Encourages dense growth from top to bottom

✔ Improves airflow through the centre of the hedge

✔ Results in a healthier, longer-lived hedge

Flat-sided hedges shade themselves out at the bottom, which is why so many hedges end up bare and brown underneath. A tapered hedge lets sunlight penetrate right down into the centre — and light equals growth. It also makes them more wind resistant!

How often we prune our hedges

Our hedges are generally trimmed three times a year, depending on the plant and the season:

Spring – to shape and encourage fresh growth

Mid–summer – to keep things tidy and dense

Late summer / early autumn – to hold shape going into winter

Regular light pruning is far better than letting hedges get away on you and then hacking them back hard.

Sharp tools = happy hedges ✂️

One thing I am in charge of is making sure that when Steve is in the mood to trim hedges, everything is ready to go.

✔ Correct fuel on hand

✔ Hedge trimmer regularly serviced

✔ Blades sharp and clean

Sharp blades are essential — they make clean cuts, reduce tearing of foliage, and help prevent disease. Ragged cuts stress plants and leave hedges looking brown on the tips.

When it’s “all systems go”, Steve can work his magic — and honestly, he is exceptionally good at getting hedges dead straight just by eye.

And yes… I tried once 😅

I once attempted a small hedge myself.
Let’s just say… I was fired from hedge-trimming duties very quickly.

Hedge pruning really is a skill, and once you’ve seen the results of a properly tapered hedge, you understand why this method makes such a difference.

The takeaway

If you want lush, green, healthy hedges that stay full right to the ground:

Prune in a tapered (A-frame) shape

Trim little and often

Let light into the centre of the hedge

Keep tools sharp and well maintained

It’s a simple technique — but it’s the secret behind hedges that truly stand out in the garden.