How to Cut Rose Hedges
- 1). Cut the rose hedges in the spring, after the danger of frost has passed or mostly passed.
- 2). Use the pruning shears to cut away any rose hedge branches that will interfere with the plant's growth. You will want to wear gardening gloves to avoid scratches from thorns. Look for branches that have died or appear to be diseased, as well as any that are growing in odd directions that may harm the overall hedge. Cut the bad branches about 1 inch below the problem spots.
- 3). Cut away weak or fragile-looking branches throughout the hedge with the pruning shears. Cut away one of two branches that may rub together. Rubbing branches can create damage, so remove any branch that either rubs another or may rub another with additional growth.
- 4). Use the loppers to cut away one or two large branches. Cut one or two large old branches away per spring cutting.
- 5). Cut back the rest of the branches until the hedge is the desired height for its breed using a combination of the pruning shears, loppers and small garden saw as needed. In general, rose hedges range in height between 12 inches and 24 inches.
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