Lilly Pilly hedges can be trimmed almost year-round, but timing matters. Trim at the right moment and you encourage dense growth without inviting psyllids or sunburn.
Lilly Pilly is Sydney's go-to native hedge. Varieties such as Syzygium australe, Waterhousea floribunda and Acmena smithii grow fast, tolerate clipping and attract birds with their berries. But because they are so vigorous, they can become leggy quickly without regular pruning.
In Sydney's temperate climate, the ideal times for a major trim are late spring and early autumn. Spring trimming captures the first flush of growth and lets the hedge recover before summer heat. Autumn trimming tidies the shape after summer growth and prepares the plant for winter.
A light tip-prune can be done in summer if the hedge is looking untidy, but avoid heavy cuts during extreme heat or dry spells. Freshly exposed inner branches can sunburn, and stressed plants are more susceptible to Lilly Pilly psyllid and scale.
After trimming, check the new growth regularly for the tell-tale pimple galls of psyllid. If caught early, a targeted treatment can prevent the hedge from becoming distorted. A consistent trimming schedule, good airflow and occasional native fertiliser will keep your Lilly Pilly hedge healthy and handsome.
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