In this guide, we will be looking at trimming boxwood into a hedge.
Boxwoods, also known by the botanical name Buxus Microphylla.
They are related to plants that can be used to create a hedge between sections of a garden or backyards.
Boxwoods are traditionally used as a means of privacy, decoration, and design in most English gardens because of their tendency, to create solitude and divide space.
Boxwood Trimming Process
Boxwood plant is very easy to grow and normally thrives under any condition that might seem impossible for other shrubs, its compact evergreen leaves, prove to be the best plant for screening an unsightly view, and the best for hedges.
Hedges, are mainly intended for the sole purpose of providing security, shade, and privacy.
You will notice that a mature hedge has its shrubs grown fully from top to bottom. This is only achieved when you regularly trim the sides of the hedge with precision to achieve the desired shape and size.
You can create a hedge from a boxwood, when at the initial stage of planting, you plant with precision and in line and close together, depending on the shape you will want it to appear like when it grows.
You don’t expect to get a hedge instantly, but over time, the plants will grow and eventually form a hedge.
Trimming Overgrown Boxwood Into A Hedge
You will want to first of all, gently cut off parts of your newly growing boxwoods plant, slightly into the desired direction, for a better shape and more fruitful growth.
You are advised to trim your boxwood yearly during spring, however, during mid-summer, it is also okay to trim up straying branches to keep the plant in the desired shape.
Trimming your boxwood is important as it encourages the growth of new precise, branches to form a thick, full hedge.
However, you are advised not to trim your boxwood plant in late summer or early fall, because they might not recover in time for winter.
You will notice droppings of individual leaves and tiny branches as you trim your plant.
These droppings can be difficult to tidy, rake up or sweep depending on where you site your hedge. You are advised to use a tarp, lay down an old sheet, and use a plastic drop cloth or compostable paper to catch the droppings.
You should avoid trimming on the side between plants as you aim to grow boxwood into a hedge.
In trying to achieve this, larger plants are to be slightly kept at the bottom at least until plant branches grow evenly and touch up.
Using hand shears? Try as much as possible to begin at the top by cutting all stray branches, making an even line, circle, or desired shape at the top, front sides of the hedge.
Using your hands will enable you to straighten up the shape and catch up on branches you miss to trim.
However, in a case where you are dealing with a large boxwood hedge, you are advised to use gas-powered or electric shears to save time and energy. However, for a more perfect and cleaner cut, you best opt for hand shears.
Boxwood is an evergreen plant, it however sometimes gets winter burn. You should mostly keep up with your yearly trimming, so the plant holds its shape.
It is much easier for you to trim for better health and shape than for you to try reviving an overgrown boxwood.
When To Trim Your Boxwoods
As it is common with all other shrubs, you need to ask when the best time to trim your boxwood might be.
You can trim your boxwood at any time of the year for improved plant health, however, you are best to avoid doing so in late fall, as it may be difficult for the plant to recuperate before frost as it may lead to total damage.
You should put into consideration your plant’s age when you are planning to trim.
As time goes by, you will notice that it is of utmost benefit to young boxwoods to be trimmed more frequently. The best time to keep in shape and desired hedge format is during the first few years.
When you notice the presence of disease, death, or dying branches, you best opt for trimming immediately to avoid spread to other healthy parts and further damage to the plant.
It is worthy of note to not trim severely and best give your plant ample opportunity to survive and thrive.
As we have established earlier, boxwoods can be used as an excellent shrub for topiaries and hedges. The best time to trim boxwood for a hedge is during the spring before new growth actually begins.
In doing so, you are actually training smaller branches to take shape and conform to the desired structure. While trimming the larger branches, prevents them from growing outside the desired form.
You will notice that the boxwoods shrub takes to form, structure, and shape of your desired hedge, as the seasons pass by, creating an interesting and attractive view.
Giving a unique sense and aura to your yard and makes your garden come alive.
Types of Boxwood Shrubs
Boxwoods, also known by the botanical name Buxus Microphylla.
They are related to plants that can be used to create a hedge. Boxwoods are traditionally used as a means of privacy, decoration, and design in most English gardens because of their tendency, to create solitude and divide space.
This, however, can be done with the different types of boxwoods we have. You are therefore left with the option of choosing from the varieties there are.
The list below are the types of boxwoods shrubs you can find in your local store:
- Baby gem boxwood
- Japanese boxwood
- North star boxwood
- Sprinter boxwood
- Wintergreen boxwood
- Wedding ring boxwood
- Winter gem boxwood
- Hybrid boxwood varieties
- Tall or large boxwood varieties
- Dwarf boxwood varieties
- English boxwood
- European boxwood
Boxwood shrubs are somewhat popular mainly because they are evergreen, vast in size, shape, leaf, and qualities.
You have plenty of options, to choose from the many types of boxwoods there are, as highlighted above.
You only have to keep in mind your landscaping, weather, the particular plant’s exposure to the environment, intended shape and size for the desired hedge.