How Often Should Hedges Be Trimmed in Sydney?

Sydney's warm summers and mild winters mean many hedges grow almost year-round. Without a regular trimming schedule, even a slow-growing hedge can lose its shape and start encroaching on paths, driveways and neighbours.

Fast-growing species such as Lilly Pilly, Murraya and Viburnum usually need trimming three to four times a year to stay crisp. Formal hedges like Buxus or English box look best with light trims every six to eight weeks during the growing season. Conifer screens such as Leighton Green may only need one or two trims a year, but they must be cut carefully because they do not reshoot from old wood.

The best schedule for most Sydney gardens is a tidy-up trim in early spring, a shaping trim in early summer, a clean-up in early autumn and, if needed, a light winter tidy. Spreading trims across the year keeps each cut light, which is healthier for the plant and cheaper for you.

If a hedge is left too long between trims, the job becomes a reduction rather than a trim. Heavy cuts take longer, cost more and can leave the hedge looking bare for months. A regular maintenance program is the easiest way to keep hedges dense, neat and under control.