Springtime shearing evergreen hedges in Vermont

Getting it right, at the right time for your trees and shrubs

As the bite of winter cold relents in early spring, Vermont homeowners are looking ahead to maintaining their landscapes, especially when it comes to their evergreens. Evergreen hedges, whether they’re towering privacy walls or neat, dense garden spheres, require regular care to keep them healthy, vibrant, and aesthetically pleasing. One of the most crucial tasks on your spring to-do list is shearing these hedges—but when is the right time, and can you do this work yourself?

Timing Matters: Avoid Freeze Injury and Promoting Healthy Growth

When it comes to pruning or shearing evergreen hedges, timing is everything. Early spring, before the new growth starts to emerge naturally, is the optimal time for several important reasons.

1. Shearing Before Spring Growth Kicks In As Vermont tips into springtime and temperatures warm, evergreen plants instinctively begin their spring growth cycle. By shearing your hedges in early spring—just before this natural growth spurt—you encourage a healthier, more even appearance throughout the growing season. This allows for the new branches and foliage to fill in the cuts and ultimately create a full shape. Pruning too late could interfere with the plant’s natural development, leaving you with uneven or patchy growth.
2. Preventing Freeze Injury to New Foliage However, spring temperatures in Vermont can be unpredictable. While we may see warm days, frost and freeze events aren’t uncommon, especially in early spring. If you shear your evergreens too early, you risk exposing the tender new foliage prompted by pruning to frost damage. This can lead to unsightly brown tips, stunted growth, or even dieback. By shearing your evergreens after freezing temperatures have largely passed, you ensure that the plants enter the growing season unscathed by freeze and frost.
3. Preserving the Natural Shape Early spring pruning allows you to shape the hedge before new growth takes over, giving you the best opportunity to maintain that neatly manicured, uniform appearance. Once the growth takes hold, it can become more difficult to shape.

Why Hire an Arborist?

While the DIY spirit is strong in Vermont, shearing evergreen hedges is not a task to take lightly. The risks of improper timing or technique alone provide ample reasons to consult the experts at Teacher’s Tree Service (did you know that we have six ISA Certified Arborists ® on staff?).

1. Expert Knowledge of Timing and Techniques Our arborists are trained to understand the specific needs of different tree and shrub species, including Arborvitae, hemlock and other evergreens.  We monitor the long-range forecast obsessively to determine the precise window for shearing and how to best preserve the health and appearance of your evergreens. Without this expertise, you might inadvertently miss the optimal time or make cuts that encourage undesirable growth patterns.
2. Safety Concerns DIY hedge shearing often involves working with sharp tools and ladders, especially when dealing with large hedges that require a more elevated position. Teacher’s Tree Service crews are equipped with professional grade pruning tools and mechanical lifts to optimize our position for safety and efficiency.  We ensure the job is done safely, eliminating your risk of injury from falls, tool mishandling, or other accidents.
3. Efficient and Clean Work We have the right equipment to get the job done efficiently and neatly. Our expertise and professional tools ensure precise cuts, which helps your trees heal quickly.  Plus, we’re known far and wide for our excellent cleanup; we do the raking, chipping and hauling for you!
4. Long-Term Health Benefits A well-maintained evergreen hedge can last for many years with proper routine care. Teacher’s Tree Service arborists not only know when to shear but also understand how to do it in a way that promotes long-term health. We can also spot potential problems, such as disease or pest issues, before they become major problems.

Conclusion

Shearing your evergreen hedges in early spring is key to promoting healthy, beautiful growth while protecting your plants from the unpredictable Vermont weather. Doing it too late can risk freeze damage to tender foliage, and improper timing can disrupt the natural growth cycle. While it might be tempting to tackle this task yourself, Teacher’s Tree Service will ensure that your hedges are pruned with expert care, avoiding the risks and giving you peace of mind.

If you’re unsure of when or how to shear your evergreen hedges this spring, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals – our consultations are free. Your landscape will thank you for it!