We have seen a lot of cedar hedges in 2024. With an extra long growing season extending into July and August with lots of rain and moderate temperatures we saw a lot of extra growth this year. This may be bad news if you haven't kept up with trimming.
Cedar hedges are one of the most common privacy plantings across Durham Region and the Eastern GTA. When maintained properly they provide excellent year-round screening, wind protection, and a clean, formal look to any property.
The key to a healthy cedar hedge is consistent annual trimming. Cedars can be trimmed from early spring through late fall. Any major reduction should be done in early spring to promote time for recovery. Cedars trimmed from late summer through fall have the advantage of keeping a nice form all the way through the following May in Southern Ontario.
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is cutting too far back into old wood. Cedars do not regenerate from bare brown wood the way some other species do. Always leave green foliage on every branch you cut, and taper the hedge slightly wider at the base than the top to allow sunlight to reach the lower branches.
If your hedge has gotten away from you and is significantly overgrown, a multi-year reduction program is the safest approach. Trying to cut back too aggressively in a single season can cause browning and die-back that takes years to recover from.
Have questions about your cedar hedge? Jason offers free estimates and is happy to walk through your options on site. Reach out through the contact form or give us a call.