Hedge Trimming
Summit Tree Care is your go-to expert for professional hedge trimming services throughout Vancouver Island, from the lush landscapes of Campbell River to the vibrant gardens of Victoria. Anchored in Nanaimo, BC, our team specializes in transforming and maintaining the beauty and health of your hedges.
Health-based Hedge maintenance
Skill, Experience & Professional Service.
Our team is composed of highly trained and certified arborists and horticulturists, each expertly skilled in their respective fields. We ensure that every service we provide is performed with unparalleled professionalism and expertise. Our approach to hedge trimming goes beyond merely shaping your hedge to your desired aesthetic; we prioritize the health and vitality of your plants, employing techniques that enhance their appearance and promote their overall well-being.
Stump Removal And Replacement Planting
Understanding that maintenance can sometimes fall behind, leading to sections of hedges dying, we are also equipped to offer comprehensive stump removal and hedge replacement services. This ensures that regardless of the state of your hedge, we have the skills and services available to restore or replace it, maintaining the beauty and health of your landscape. Trust in Summit Tree Care for a service that marries aesthetic excellence with the foundational health of your green spaces.
In Need Of A Hedge? Consider
These Top 5 Species
Choosing the Best Hedge for Vancouver Island.
Selecting the perfect hedge for your Vancouver Island property involves considering various factors such as desired height, maintenance level, sunlight exposure, and personal taste. Summit Tree Care is here to guide you through finding a hedge that meets your aesthetic and functional needs and thrives in our unique climate. Below, discover five top hedge choices for our region (Vancouver Island), each with its own set of benefits:
Western Red Cedar
Pros:
- Features lush evergreen foliage that brings year-round vibrancy to your garden.
- It tolerates shade and moist conditions well, making it a versatile choice.
- It grows densely and maintains a neat appearance with regular trimming.
Cons:
- Without proper maintenance, it can grow larger than desired.
- Vulnerable to fungal diseases in poorly drained soils.
Beech Hedge (American Beech or European Beech)
Pros:
- It offers a dense, formal look that is perfect for privacy screens.
- Hardy against shade and wind, providing robust growth in various conditions.
- It requires regular trimming to keep its precise shape, which is ideal for structured garden designs.
Cons:
- It may attract heavy deer browsing but is not ideal for all areas.
- Consistent maintenance is needed to maintain its appearance.
Hawthorn
Pros:
- Blooms with stunning white flowers each spring, enhancing your garden’s aesthetic.
- Attracts pollinators, adding ecological value to your outdoor space.
- It becomes deer-resistant once fully established, offering durability.
Cons:
- Thorns present can complicate trimming and maintenance.
- Requires frequent care to shape and control its growth.
Escallonia
Pros:
- A fast-grower is known for its evergreen, glossy foliage.
- Tolerates salt spray, making it a prime choice for coastal properties.
- It thrives in full sun, contributing to its lush appearance.
Cons:
- It might need more frequent trimming to maintain a specific shape.
- Susceptible to winter die-back in colder climates, requiring protective measures.
Yew (English Yew or Pacific Yew)
Pros:
- A slow growth rate allows for easy maintenance of shape and size.
- Features dark green foliage for a sophisticated hedge look.
- Produces non-toxic fleshy red fruit, adding a splash of colour.
Cons:
- Growth to the desired height takes time and requires patience.
- All parts except the fleshy red fruit aril are poisonous, caution advised around pets and children.
Final Considerations
When choosing your hedge, consider the mature size, sunlight conditions, and maintenance requirements to ensure the chosen species fits well into your landscape. Additionally, be aware of local regulations that may influence your hedge selection. Summit Tree Care is dedicated to helping you navigate these considerations to create a beautiful, thriving hedge that enhances your property.
Privacy
A lush, well-maintained hedge acts as a natural barrier, ensuring your outdoor spaces remain private and serene, away from prying eyes.
Curb Appeal
Trimmed and healthy hedges significantly boost the aesthetic appeal of your property, contributing to a polished and inviting exterior.
Wildlife Symbiosis
Carefully cultivated hedges provide a safe haven for Vancouver Island's native wildlife, promoting a harmonious balance between your garden and the natural ecosystem.
Tips For The Dedicated Diy Enthusiast
Disclaimer:
Hedge trimming requires a vast amount of skill and knowledge to promote long-lasting and healthy growth. Summit Tree Care does not recommend DIY when it comes to projects where mistakes are inherently irreversible. However, we understand some of you may be determined to undertake this task yourselves, so we would like to impart as much knowledge as we can to help you.
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What Time Of The Year Is Best For Trimming Hedges?
Trimming hedges at the correct time of year is crucial for their health, appearance, and flowering capabilities. The best time to trim hedges can vary widely by species, especially in a temperate climate like Vancouver Island, which allows a wide range of plant species to thrive. Here’s a general guide based on common hedge species found on Vancouver Island:
1. Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata)
- Best Time to Trim: Late spring through early summer (May to July) is ideal. This allows the cedar to heal and grow new foliage before the colder months. Light touch-ups can be done in late summer if necessary.
2. Beech Hedge (Fagus sylvatica for European Beech; Fagus grandifolia for American Beech)
- Best Time to Trim is late summer (August to early September). Trimming in late summer encourages the hedge to retain its leaves throughout the winter, providing year-round privacy and interest.
3. Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)
- Best Time to Trim: If you wish to enjoy the blossoms, typically late spring to early summer (June to July), after flowering. Late winter to early spring is suitable for general shape maintenance without concern for flowers.
4. Escallonia
- Best Time to Trim: Late winter or early spring before the onset of new growth. This encourages healthy, dense foliage and flowers in the summer. Light pruning can also be done after the main flowering period to shape the hedge and promote a second bloom.
5. Yew (Taxus baccata for English Yew; Taxus brevifolia for Pacific Yew)
- Best Time to Trim is late summer (August to September). Yew hedges are slow-growing and can be trimmed once a year to maintain their shape and density. Trimming in late summer minimizes the risk of winter frost damage to new cuts.
General Tips:
- Flowering Hedges: For species that flower, timing your trimming after the blooming period ensures you don’t accidentally remove the buds that will become next season’s flowers. This is especially important for spring-blooming hedges.
- Evergreens: Most evergreen hedges benefit from a late spring or early summer trim, but a second light trim in late summer can help maintain their shape throughout the winter.
- Deciduous Hedges: These are typically best trimmed in late winter when the plants are dormant, making it easier to see the structure of the hedge and encouraging strong new growth in spring.
Always consider the specific needs of your hedge species and the local climate conditions on Vancouver Island. Some hedges may have unique requirements or respond better to trimming at different times based on location and microclimate.
Where We Operate
Summit Tree Care is nestled at the heart of Nanaimo, located at 3646 Reynolds Rd, a location that not only serves as our headquarters but also as a central hub from which we proudly extend our professional tree care services across the entirety of Vancouver Island, from the vibrant communities of Campbell River to the historic city of Victoria. We are privileged to serve a broad and diverse range of clients across the island. The core of our clientele resides in the charming towns of Ladysmith, Lantzville, Parksville, Cedar, Chemainus, and Crofton.