Late spring is the ideal time to get your hedges in shape—just before Kelowna’s dry, hot summer arrives. A bit of early attention helps your hedges stay healthy, green, and well-shaped all season long.
Whether you’re dealing with fast-growing cedar, boxwood, or another hedge type, these five practical tips will help you protect your yard’s look and your plants’ long-term health.
1. Don’t Wait Too Long to Trim
Once temperatures rise in late spring, Kelowna’s hedges grow quickly. By late May or early June, new shoots can start to look shaggy. A light trim around this time helps shape your hedge before it gets too thick and encourages stronger, denser growth. Aim to trim on cooler, cloudy days rather than hot, dry spells to avoid stressing your plants.
2. Shape Matters — It’s More Than Just Appearance
A lot of people trim their hedges flat across the top, but this can actually cause problems. If the top is wider than the base, sunlight won’t reach the lower branches, and they can start to thin out or die. To keep your hedge healthy and full, trim it so the top is a little narrower than the bottom. This shape lets light in and encourages growth all the way down.
3. Build Up Moisture Resilience
Kelowna summers can be dry, so watering your hedges deeply now will help develop strong roots. Aim to soak the soil 6–8 inches deep once a week or as needed. Adding a layer of mulch around the base helps retain moisture and reduces weed growth, keeping your hedges healthy throughout the season.
4. Stay Ahead of Pests
Common pests like cedar leaf miners, spider mites, and aphids can damage hedges. Look for wilting tips, small webs, or yellow patches as signs of infestation. Check your hedges regularly, especially after trimming, because early detection and treatment are easier and more effective than dealing with extensive damage later.
5. Clean Up and Keep Air Flowing
After trimming, always remove clippings and debris from around the base of your hedges. Decomposing material can attract insects, cause mold or mildew, and in dry conditions, increase the risk of fire. Also, avoid planting too close to your hedges to ensure good airflow, which helps prevent disease and reduces fire hazards—especially for dense hedges like cedar.
Expert Hedge Care You Can Trust
Taking care of your hedges before summer can make a big difference in how healthy and beautiful they stay all season. If you prefer to trust your hedge trimming and maintenance to experienced professionals, Razors Hedge is ready to help. With in-depth knowledge of Kelowna’s climate and local plants, we’re dedicated to keeping your hedges looking their best—so you can relax and enjoy your yard without any worries.
