Hedges 101

Hedges are a simple, attractive way to create privacy, block an unwanted view, and form a living “green fence.” They soften hard lines in the landscape, reduce glare, and add year-round structure.
There are two main hedge styles:

Shrub hedges

These are dense, compact shrubs that naturally branch well and can be shaped into a solid screen. They usually grow a bit slower than tree-type hedges, but they hold their fullness well and often need less frequent pruning once established.

Tree-type hedges

Some trees respond well to regular topping and shearing (topping is a “no” for many trees, but certain species are specifically used this way). When maintained correctly, they push new growth from below the cut and can develop a thick wall of foliage. Tree-type hedges generally grow faster and taller than shrub hedges—which can be a big advantage if you need height quickly. The tradeoff is maintenance: they typically require more frequent trimming, and if topping is skipped for too long they can become leggy or sparse.

A key principle of pruning is this: when you prune in one place, the plant responds by growing somewhere else.
Topping the top encourages the hedge to send out new shoots below the cut, which helps keep it compact.
Trimming the sides encourages branching and density, which is what creates that “solid hedge” look.
With the right plant choice and consistent trimming, hedges can stay thick, tidy, and effective for years.