New hedge trimming

[Ormond]

I've some hawthorns I planted in a hedge to gap it up a couple of years ago....i failed to cut the whips down to 6/8 inches when planted and now it's all stem at the bottom. Would it be OK if I cut it well down the stem for it to sprout up in the spring?

 

[Bury the Trash]

Yes they will be ok , do them now .

I would use something sharp and 'pruner type' rather than just flail, if its only a reltivly short run

 

[Ormond]

How low to cut them.. 6inch from ground?

 

[davidroberts30]

lay them over!!
slice them as close to the ground as you can and lay the hedge

 

[Bury the Trash]

How low to cut them.. 6inch from ground?

bit higher than that i would. 2ft or so.

 

[Bury the Trash]

lay them over!!
slice them as close to the ground as you can and lay the hedge

not much gain being so young and with the risk the cut will be. imo..and unless they are 'pegged' in place the wind will blow them around and possiblyspoil the whole plant.especially in a dry springcut them buckheaded i would at this stage.

 

[davidroberts30]

bit higher than that i would. 2ft or so.

if you cut them at 2 foot you will always have 2 foot of nothing under the hedge

 

[Treecreeper]

if you cut them at 2 foot you will always have 2 foot of nothing under the hedge

Layer as advised, cut partially no less than six inches from base. and add some Hazel pegs or short stakes to weave in and out at no more than 30degrees from horizontal,away from the prevailing wind. Don't be afraid to tie in if needed. Trim lightly after first years regrowth.

 

[Rod Dumbreck]

Provided they are not grazed from the near side