When to prune your hedge second time: August guide

TL;DR

Prune your hedge the second time in early to mid-August (no later than August 25 in northern Europe). This gives 4-5 weeks of growth before autumn begins. Use the same secateurs or electric hedge trimmer as you did in May/June. Beech hedges, privet, and conifers (yew, thuja) all tolerate August pruning well.

Why a second hedge pruning in August?

After your first pruning in May or June, your hedge grows continuously. By late July, most hedges have added 10-15 cm. A second August cut keeps your hedge neat, compact, and prevents a wild tangle by September. Moreover, an August-pruned hedge has 4-5 weeks left to harden wood before winter arrives. This makes the hedge more frost-resistant and stronger.

Without a second cut, by October your hedge is thick at the top and weak at the sides. A twice-yearly schedule (May + August) gives the smartest, most professional appearance.

Exact timing: why August and not September?

Early August (August 5-15) is ideal. This leaves your hedge 5-6 weeks of growth before first night frosts (mid-October in northern zones). A second pruning in late September is much riskier: the hedge recovers poorly from cuts, wood does not harden properly, and frost damage becomes likely.

Water availability also makes a difference. In August the soil is still moist from summer (or easy to water). By September weather turns: rain becomes scarce and your fresh cuts dry out badly. August is therefore much kinder to hedge recovery.

Most gardeners follow this schedule:

• May/June: first pruning (main shaping)
• Early August: second pruning (neatness and compactness)
• October/November: cleanup only (no serious pruning)

Which hedge types tolerate August pruning?

Deciduous hedges: Beech, Privet, Hornbeam

Beech (Fagus sylvatica) tolerates August pruning well, as long as you finish before August 20. After August 20, beech recovers more slowly.

Privet (Ligustrum) still grows until October and even tolerates October pruning. For privet: the later you cut, the gentler you must be (less aggressive cutting back).

Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) like beech - finish before August 20.

Conifers: Yew, Thuja, Cypress, Holly

Yew (English yew, boxwood replacement) tolerates two cuts per year well. March AND August work fine.

Thuja (Arborvitae) grows fast and needs two cuts. Be cautious in August: cut no deeper than 5 mm into green. Thuja does not regenerate quickly from brown wood.

Holly (Ilex) grows slowly. Once yearly (June) is enough. Second August pruning is not needed.

How to prune your hedge in August?

Preparation

1. Choose a dry day. Not immediately after rain - wet branches clog your shears and infections (fungal) take hold more easily.
2. Sharp tools. Both electric and hand shears must be sharp. Dull tools damage leaves and leave brown edges.
3. Good moisture. Water your hedge 1 day before pruning, so all cells are full. A well-hydrated hedge recovers faster.

Pruning steps

Step 1: Plan your cutting line. Decide how far back to cut. In August, cut less aggressively than in May. May can remove 20-25%, August should remove only 10-15% (much less). This causes less plant shock.

Step 2: Cut from bottom to top. Start at the base of the hedge. Sweep your shears slowly upward, in one smooth motion. This gives a neat, even cut face.

Step 3: Straight top. Stretch a rope between two stakes to keep your top line straight. Much easier than freehand cutting.

Step 4: Sloped sides (V-shape). Prune your hedge not rectangular, but slightly sloped (trapezoid): top 10-15 cm narrower than bottom. This lets sunlight reach the lower parts and prevents bare lower rows.

Step 5: Rest. Do not work more than 2 hours continuously. Electric trimmers get hot and arms tire. Tired hands produce sloppy work.

Aftercare following August pruning

Watering: In the week after pruning, give your hedge extra water if it is dry. Fresh cuts lose much moisture. 1-2 litres per metre of hedge length is normal.

No more pruning: After August, do NOT prune your hedge again. October, November, December: leave it alone. Hedge must recover and wood must harden.

Feeding: A phosphate-rich fertilizer dose (e.g. slow-release K-rich feed) helps wound healing. Optional but useful.

Step-by-step

Step 1: Assess summer growth

Early August, measure how much your hedge has grown since May. Usually 10-20 cm. This determines how much you cut back: remove about that much.

Step 2: Prepare tools

Ensure your hedge shears (electric or hand) are sharp. Clean with spirit or soapy water. Check batteries (electric shears).

Step 3: Prune carefully

Start at the bottom. Cut from base to top in one smooth sweep. Remove maximum 15% (not like May where you can remove 25%).

Step 4: Water and rest

Water after pruning. Leave your hedge untouched for 1 week.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still prune my hedge in September?

Yes, but risky. Before September 20 (early September) works. After September 20 - only light pruning (dead branches only) or none at all. In October and November do not prune at all.

What if I missed August and it is now September?

No problem. Remove only the most obvious overgrowth. Light pruning (7-8 cm maximum). Harder cutting waits until March. Let your hedge grow through autumn without interference.

How long does pruning 100 metres of hedge take?

4-6 hours with electric shears, depending on hedge type and whether you cut the sides. With hand shears: 8-12 hours. Many gardeners do 20-30 metres per day, spread over 3-4 days.

Must I clean up fallen branches after pruning?

Yes, collect loose leaves and twigs. They not only scatter the garden but pile up moisture (fungal risk). Compost or green waste is the right destination.

Can I prune my hedge in August with hand shears only or must I use electric?

Both work. Electric is much faster (4-6 hours for 100m). Hand is better for fine work (corners, rounded shapes). For straight hedges: electric is easier.

Discover your hedge design

At [gardenworld.app](https://gardenworld.app) you can upload your front yard and see how different hedge types and shapes fit. Plan your hedge visually before you pull out the trimmer. Realistic growth and contours help you find the perfect maintenance schedule.