An overgrown hedge quickly turns into an eyesore — growing in every direction and blocking sunlight. The solution? A cordless hedge trimmer and the right technique. This guide walks you through trimming a hedge step-by-step, when to trim in Israel's climate, and how to maintain a professional look all year round.
Quick Summary
• ✅ Trim at least 4 times per year — once per growing season
• ✅ Correct shape: wider at base, narrower at top — allows sunlight to reach all parts
• 💡 A 20V cordless trimmer is sufficient for most home gardens up to 200 m²
• ⚠️ Avoid trimming in peak summer (July-August) — heat stress is hard on freshly cut plants
• 🔧 Oil the blades after every use to prevent rust and friction
What You Need Before Starting 🧰
A cordless hedge trimmer with double-sided blades (45-65 cm) — Skil 20V suits small-medium gardens, EGO Power+ 56V for large gardens with thick hedges. You'll also need: thick work gloves, safety goggles, long sleeves, a guide string for marking the desired shape, blade cleaning tool, lubricating oil, and a green waste bag for clippings.
⚠️ Important Before You Start
Never trim when the hedge is wet from rain or irrigation — wet blades slip, cause uneven cuts, and can tear branches instead of making clean cuts. Wait at least 2 hours after rain before starting.
Step-by-Step — How to Trim Correctly 👷
1. Inspect and clear the hedge — Walk along the hedge and remove broken branches, wires, or stones. A broken branch can jam or bend the blade.
2. Mark the desired shape — Stretch a string along the hedge at the desired height. Using a guide string prevents embarrassing corrections later. Correct shape: base 5-10 cm wider than the top on each side.
3. Trim the sides — bottom to top — Work in wide sweeping motions from bottom upward. Never try to remove more than 2-3 cm at once — several light passes are better than one deep cut.
4. Trim the top — Only after finishing the sides. Work in slow horizontal motions, left to right. Keep the trimmer parallel to the ground for a straight result.
5. Clear clippings immediately — In Israeli heat, clippings dry and harden within hours. Use them as mulch around the hedge base.
6. Clean and maintain the trimmer — Wipe blades with a dry cloth, remove plant residue from between teeth, and apply light oil before storage. Store lithium battery at 50-80% charge.
💡 Pro Tip
Choose a trimmer with double-sided blades — they allow sweeping motions in both directions and are twice as fast as single-sided blades. All Skil and EGO Power+ trimmers at ramo.co.il come with double-sided blades.
Products Available at ramo.co.il 🛒
Products You'll Need ⭐
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
When is the best time to trim a hedge in Israel?
The ideal times are spring (March-May) and early autumn (September-October). Avoid trimming in peak Israeli summer (July-August) — intense heat stresses freshly cut plants.
How many times per year should I trim a hedge?
For a typical Israeli hedge — at least 4 times per year, once per growing season. Fast-growing species (such as Ficus) may require 6-8 trims per year.
What is the difference between a 20V and 56V trimmer?
A 20V trimmer (like Skil) is sufficient for small-medium gardens with hedges up to 1.5m thick. A 56V trimmer (like EGO Power+) is designed for large gardens, thick hedges (over 5cm), and extended use. EGO delivers nearly double the cutting power.
Conclusion
With a cordless hedge trimmer and the right technique, a neat and beautiful hedge is just an hour of work away. All models are in stock at ramo.co.il — order now and start trimming this week!