Written by Kelly
Edited on
30 December 2024
·
08:50
Advice on pruning with a handheld hedge trimmer
A handheld hedge trimmer is a hedge trimmer with a short blade of up to 39cm. Thanks to the small size, you can easily prune smaller hedges like buxus. You can also prune lavender and ilex with a handheld hedge trimmer. We're happy to explain how and when to prune these plants with the handheld hedge trimmer.
Pruning with a handheld hedge trimmer
A number of rules apply to all small plants and hedges you prune with a handheld hedge trimmer. Never prune plants in direct sunlight. This will cause the branches and leaves to burn faster. If you don't prune buxus, lavender, or ilex into a special shape, leave the bottom slightly wider than the top. This ensures that sunlight reaches everywhere, and the hedge become more beautiful and healthier as a result.
When should you prune the buxus?
You can prune a buxus 2 to 4 times a year. The more often you prune, the fuller the buxus becomes. You can prune it for the first time around May, when it no longer freezes at night. Prune the buxus one last time in September with a handheld hedge trimmer, before the weather gets colder. You can prune the buxus in between if it's growing out of shape too quickly.
How do you prune the buxus into shape?
If you want to prune your hedge into a shape, start at the top of the plant. Flip the handheld hedge trimmer so you can follow the shape and cut nice curves. Follow along while pruning and check your results regularly. Is the buxus hedge neglected or affected by buxus moths? Prune the buxus down to the wood so it can grow back healthily.
When should you prune lavender?
You should prune lavender 2 times a year. The main pruning is around March and April, just after winter. Pruning into a shape should be done at the end of summer, around August or September. This is after the lavender has bloomed. We don't recommend pruning lavender in the autumn, because it'll be too cold.
How do you prune lavender?
How you prune lavender depends on the pruning type. For the main pruning, you can prune the lavender almost to the wood. Leave a little bit of greenery. You should prune your young lavender not as much. In that case, only trim the newly formed buds from the top. For pruning into a shape, use the handheld hedge trimmer to prune only the spent flower and a small piece of green lavender. Leave as much greenery as possible.
When and how should you prune ilex?
The more often you prune the ilex, the fuller it becomes. You can also easily keep the hedge in shape. The major pruning sessions are around June and September. In between, prune the edges to shape the ilex nicely. Pruning ilex is similar to pruning buxus. Simply prune from top to bottom with the handheld hedge trimmer.
