Hedge trimming and pruning in Eugene, OR

It depends on the plant. Laurel, privet, and yew bounce back nicely from a hard cut and often sprout fresh growth from bare wood within a season, while arborvitae and most junipers won't regrow from old brown wood, so cutting them back too far can leave permanent bald spots.

One or two trims a year keep most hedges looking sharp, with a main trim in late winter or early spring and a lighter touch-up in early summer. Fast growers like English laurel and privet sometimes need a third pass by late summer. Shaping the base slightly wider than the top allows sunlight to reach the lower branches, keeping the hedge full from top to bottom.

Emerald Green arborvitae, boxwood, and yew all handle the Willamette Valley's wet winters and dry summers well. For a native option, Pacific wax myrtle, evergreen huckleberry, and tall Oregon grape make great hedges and feed birds and pollinators too. Whatever you choose, give it room to grow and plenty of water during its first few summers.

Late winter through early spring works great for most hedges, before new growth takes off and before birds start nesting. Federal law protects active nests of most native birds, and songbirds love dense hedges from spring through summer, so peek inside before trimming during those months. Try to skip heavy shearing during summer heat waves, because fresh cuts can scorch in strong sun.

Summer drought is the top culprit in the Willamette Valley, and the 2021 heat dome scorched arborvitae hedges across the state. Winter windburn, trimming into old leafless wood, and even the neighborhood dog's favorite spot can cause browning too. Deep watering during dry spells and sticking to green growth when you trim will prevent most of these problems.