Jason Hodges uses a RYOBI Hedge Trimmer to prune the bushes in his garden
Inspiration

Hedges by Hodges

Garden Guru Jason Hodges shares his tips for great hedges.

RYOBI TEAM Sun, 08/27/2023 - 14:59

Get the best hedges in the neighbourhood with a little help from Garden Guru Jason Hodges and RYOBI outdoor power equipment.

Jason Hodges smiling with RYOBI Hedge Trimmer

Jason Hodges

For the past 10 years, I have been growing topiary on my small acreage in Berry, NSW. If you want amazing hedges, regular trimming will make light work of it and promote dense, lush new growth rather than woody, bashed branches when done once a year. after its ‘haircut’.

The right tools

I find that using tools designed for the job is not only quicker but also delivers better results.

So I use a hedge trimmer for most of the work, but I always have a pair of secateurs in my pocket for removing thick, woody branches.

This helps with the overall look of the hedge and puts less stress on the hedger’s blades.

My best tip would be don’t prune in the middle of the hottest day of the year. This is like us sunbathing in cooking oil instead of sunscreen. The cool of the afternoon or a mild day is best. If, by some chance, you’ve been caught in a heatwave, some damp shade cloth will protect it from the sun after its ‘haircut’.

Ryobi 18V ONE+ 20cm hedge and grass shears, tool only, displayed on a clean white background, highlighting its compact design and dual-action blades.
18V ONE+ 20cm Hedge & Grass Shears Tool Only
18V ONE+ 20cm Hedge & Grass Shears Tool Only
129.00
Ryobi 36V HP™ brushless 65cm hedge trimmer with a 4.0Ah battery kit, featuring a green and black design, displayed against a clean, white background.
36V HP™ Brushless 65cm Hedge Trimmer 4Ah Kit
36V HP™ Brushless 65cm Hedge Trimmer 4Ah Kit
499.00
Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 28mm Pruning Secateurs, tool only, displayed on a clean background highlighting the ergonomic design and sharp blades, ideal for efficient garden pruning.
18V ONE+ HP™ Brushless 28mm Pruning Secateurs Tool Only
Secateurs R18XSEC20
18V ONE+ HP™ Brushless 28mm Pruning Secateurs Tool Only
229.00

Hedges have their place and shouldn’t be dismissed because they are high maintenance. Done well and maintained regularly, they are kept easily and are a real asset to any garden.