Why is it so important to cut your hedges and trees properly? It's not just about improving the appearance of your garden. It is important to remove diseased and dead parts from your trees and hedges so that they stay healthy and continue to grow. A sufficient amount of light and air between the twigs and branches is essential for ensuring a good harvest. Last but not least, removing thin and weak shoots improves the supply of nutrients and moisture to important shoots.

You can use pruning loppers to cut branches and twigs that are difficult to access. These handy helpers protect your wrists and require you to use less effort when cutting. In addition to selecting the right tools, you should also consult an expert or experienced gardener before you cut and prune back trees and hedges for the first time. Each cut causes the plant to react to this pruning. That's why it is important to know exactly how and where you should cut. Moreover, it is useful to benefit from the experience of a fellow gardener if you a dealing with large trees. To ensure that the shape of the tree is also attractive after pruning, ask a fellow gardener to stand at a distance and monitor how the treetop changes while you are cutting.

Hedges are an essential part of the garden. They not only prevent soil erosion and provide a habitat for many helpful small animals, they also lend you some privacy from nosey neighbours. Hedges require regular pruning to encourage thick and healthy growth.  And so off with all those shoots that are too weak or too long. How much you should cut off to shorten the hedge will depend on the type and age of the hedge or shrub. If you are a less experienced gardener ask at your local garden centre for handy tips. The easiest way to cut your hedge, of course, is to use electric hedge trimmers.