Pruning bushes and hedges is much more than just adding curb appeal to your lawn. It can also reduce diseases, enhance growth, and decrease insect infestations. The right way to prune involves removing a portion of the plant or bush an in effort to improve the lawn. The best time of year to trim your bushes and prune your shrubs depends on the type of plant it is. Non-flowering plants and spring flowering plants should be trimmed right after full bloom, whereas summer flowering plants should be trimmed in the winter. To ensure the best trim, here are some tips for beginner trimmers. 

Find the Best Trimmer

When it comes to hedge trimmers, you basically have three options. You can choose from a gas powered trimmer, corded electric trimmer, or a cordless electric trimmer. Gas powered trimmers offer freedom to roam around the property without being constricted by a cord and provide a powerful motor that allows you to cut through even the thickest branches. Electric trimmers do not require a mixture of oil and gas in order to use it. Some run on batteries, while others use a cord to be powered. If you choose a cordless electric trimmer, then you will need to purchase additional batteries when they run dry. Corded trimmers can restrict access to the entire yard so you want to consider all three options. 

Have a the Right Equipment on Hand

While your trimmer should be able to get each branch, you want to make sure you have a hand trimmer in your back pocket for quick use if needed. This will help you get through the job much quicker without having to go back and find the right tool to remove that one pesky branch. Additionally, you should always wear goggles and long sleeve shirts when trimming bushes. You never know when the branch could come back and hit you in the eye on cut your arm as you get in between the branches. 

Start at the Bottom

When you begin trimming the bush, you want to start the process at the bottom of the bush. Slowly work your way up to the top to cover the entire bush. During the first round of cutting, you want to make shallow cuts. You can always go back later and cut deeper if you wish. BY making shorter cuts, you can ensure that you are not cutting too deep into the bush. 

Trim at an Angle

As you trim, you want to make sure that you are trimming at an angle so that the sunlight is able to reach the entire bush. The bottom of the bush should remain wider, whereas the top should be skinnier. This will help the entire length of the bush get enough sunlight for nutrients. 

For more information, contact companies like Williams Lawn Care & Landscaping, Inc.