Evergreen hedge trimming

[justalilolesouthernbelle]

Our hedges, or rather the overgrown mammoth bushes in front of our home need to be cut back. I want to cut them all the way down to reshape them. When is the best time of year to do this? I am in central NC, zone 7 I think. :confused:

[SouthernStyle]

I have been very guilty of prunning when the urge hit as opposed to the proper time and haven't lost anything yet but I did find this information on the Home Depot site:

PRUNING HEDGES:
After the initial pruning at planting, hedges need to be pruned often. Once the hedge reaches the desired height, prune new growth back whenever it grows another 6 to 8 inches. Prune to within 2 inches of the last pruning. Hedges may be pruned twice a year, in spring and again in mid-summer, to keep them dense and attractive. Prune hedges so they’re wider at the base than at the top, to allow all parts to receive sunlight and prevent legginess.

RENEWAL PRUNING FOR OLDER OR OVERGROWN SHRUBS:
Every year remove up to one-third of the oldest, thickest stems or trunks, taking them right down to the ground. This will encourage the growth of new stems from the roots. Once there are no longer any thick, overgrown trunks left, switch to standard pruning as needed.

PRUNING EVERGREENS:
With few exceptions, evergreens (conifers) require little pruning. Different types of evergreens should be pruned according to their varied growth habits.

Spruces, firs and douglas-firs don’t grow continuously, but can be pruned any time because they have lateral (side) buds that will sprout if the terminal (tip) buds are removed. It’s probably best to prune them in late winter, before growth begins. Some spring pruning, however, is not harmful.


Pines only put on a single flush of tip growth each spring and then stop growing. Prune before these “candles” of new needles become mature. Pines do not have lateral buds, so removing terminal buds will take away new growing points for that branch. Eventually, this will leave dead stubs.


Pines seldom need pruning, but if you want to promote more dense growth, remove up to two-thirds of the length of newly expanded candles. Don’t prune further back than the current year’s growth.

Arborvitae, junipers, yews, and hemlocks grow continuously throughout the growing season. They can be pruned any time through the middle of summer. Even though these plants will tolerate heavy shearing, their natural form is usually most desirable, so prune only to correct growth defects.

[justalilolesouthernbelle]

RENEWAL PRUNING FOR OLDER OR OVERGROWN SHRUBS:
Every year remove up to one-third of the oldest, thickest stems or trunks, taking them right down to the ground. This will encourage the growth of new stems from the roots. Once there are no longer any thick, overgrown trunks left, switch to standard pruning as needed.



That is what I need to hear! I wonder if it is okay to do them now?

[dizzylizzy]

Our hedges, or rather the overgrown mammoth bushes in front of our home need to be cut back.
You wouldn't happen to be my neighbor, would you? :D