Introduction
Whether it’s a privacy screen, garden border, or decorative hedge, regular hedge trimming is essential for keeping your plants healthy, dense, and looking their best. In Tasmania’s cool-temperate climate, hedges grow vigorously in spring and summer—making timing and technique especially important.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Why hedge trimming matters
- The best time to trim in Southern Tasmania
- Techniques for shaping, height control, and rejuvenation
- Common hedge species (native and exotic)
- When to call in a professional
Whether you’re maintaining a neatly sculpted Buxus border or a wild-growing native screen in Kingston or Huonville, we’ll help you get it right.
Why is regular hedge trimming important?
1. Encourages dense, healthy growth
Trimming stimulates new shoots , helping fill in gaps and create lush, compact foliage. Left untrimmed, many hedges become woody, sparse, or leggy over time.
2. Maintains shape and size
Regular trimming helps:
- Prevent hedges from becoming overgrown
- Retain clean lines and neat symmetry
- Avoid blocking paths, windows, and driveways
3. Improves airflow and sunlight penetration
Open, well-trimmed hedges reduce fungal disease, mould, and insect infestations by allowing light and air into the plant’s interior.
4. Enhances property appearance
A tidy hedge improves kerb appeal , especially in formal gardens or property boundaries. For homes in Hobart and surrounding suburbs, neatly trimmed hedges can increase street value and visual harmony.
When should you trim hedges in Tasmania?
Spring (September–November)
- Best time for shaping and height control
- New growth is vigorous, so hedges bounce back quickly
- Avoid trimming during flowering if you want blooms (e.g., Camellia)
Summer (December–February)
- Ideal for light maintenance cuts
- Watch for heat stress—early morning or evening trimming is best
Autumn (March–May)
- Good for structural reshaping before winter dormancy
- Slower growth, so hedges stay neat longer
Winter (June–August)
- Avoid major cuts (especially for frost-sensitive species)
- Light tidying is okay for hardy hedges like English Box or Pittosporum
Tip: Because Southern Tasmania sees cool winters and strong winds, keeping your hedges compact helps prevent breakage and protects root structures from wind exposure.
How to trim a hedge like a pro
1. Use the right tools
- Electric or petrol hedge trimmers for straight lines and large hedges
- Secateurs or shears for small hedges or precise shaping
- Loppers for thick or woody stems
- Safety gear: gloves, safety glasses, and ear protection
2. Start with the top, then the sides
- Trim the top of the hedge first to set the height
- Taper the sides slightly inward (narrower at the top) for even sun exposure and a stable base
3. Maintain a flat or rounded shape
- Flat-top hedges are ideal for formal borders
- Rounded or natural forms suit native species and informal screens
4. Remove deadwood and crossing branches
- Encourage airflow and reduce disease
- Spot and cut damaged or diseased wood at the base
5. Clean up clippings
- Don’t leave trimmings to rot inside the hedge—they invite pests and disease
- Compost healthy clippings or use them as mulch (avoid using diseased foliage)
Common hedge plants in Southern Tasmania
| Plant Name | Type | Notes |
| Lilly Pilly | Native | Fast-growing, dense, good for privacy |
| Photinia | Exotic | Red new growth, tolerates hard pruning |
| Pittosporum | Native hybrid | Hardy, grows tall quickly |
| Camellia | Exotic | Flowering, shade-tolerant |
| English Box (Buxus) | Exotic | Formal hedging, slow-growing |
| Callistemon (Bottlebrush) | Native | Attracts birds, prune after flowering |
DIY vs. Professional hedge trimming
When DIY works
- Small hedges under 1.5m
- Routine maintenance with hand tools
- Homeowners with good access and safe ground conditions
When to hire a pro
- Tall or wide hedges requiring ladders or platforms
- Overgrown or neglected hedges needing rejuvenation pruning
- Large properties with multiple species
- Desire for precise shapes or sculpted topiary
- Safety concerns near fences, power lines, or roads
What else can be done with your hedges?
- Rejuvenation pruning: Cut back woody or gappy hedges to restore their form
- Stump grinding: Remove old hedges or invasive root systems entirely
- Seasonal shaping: Sculpt hedges for holidays or events (great for businesses or display gardens)
- Windbreak maintenance: Tall hedges along rural or coastal properties benefit from reduction to prevent blow-over
Need hedge trimming in Southern Tasmania?
At Matthew Clements Tree Service, we provide expert hedge trimming, tree shaping, and pruning services across Hobart, Kingston, Huonville, and surrounding areas. Whether you need a quick touch-up or a full-scale hedge reduction, our qualified arborist team delivers safe, tidy, and tailored results.
- Fully insured and certified
- Qualified arborist with 20+ years of experience
- Free quotes with honest advice
- Stump grinding, tree removal, and reduction services available
“A tidy hedge is more than garden décor—it’s peace of mind and pride in your home.”
Call us now at 0408 854 644
Sources
- Hobart City Council – Vegetation Management
- Arboriculture Australia – Hedge and Shrub Care Guidelines
- Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria – Hedge Maintenance Calendar
- ABC Gardening Australia – Pruning and Shaping Hedges
- University of Tasmania – Plant Science Department
