Formal Box hedges?

[David oakman]

As i am a woodman i don't know much about gardens but i have some gardens to look after. How many times a year and timings would you cut a formal Box hedge and also a thorn? The clients want the hedges to look smart all year round. All advice will be helpful.

[John Shutler]

they must be done with sheers as the exhaust fumes from hedgetrimmers can dammage them

[nepia]

Traditionally you cut box on Derby Day but for posh looks treat like other hedging species; little and often (especially the often) but box isn't fast growing compared to some so is easy to maintain.

 

Jon

[tractorboy1]

Id say derby day too whenever that is don't do them when it is too hop as the scorch

[Bart]

the above, cloudy coolish day, around June time, hand sheers or electric. although hardy the new growth is quite soft.

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

Buxus sempivirens CAN be fast growing if plenty of organic material is avaliable, this keeps them bright and healthy instead of looking dry and dessicated.

 

The box is a VERY hungry plant, the better fed it is the better youre hedge will look at all times, they love a bit of a mulching too.

[Treeson]

as above, give them plenty of sheep poo and blood & bone they will keep a whole lot better.

little and often on cooler days when the sun is hidden behind cloud to avoid scorch when trimming and it pays to keep an eye out for any initial signs of fungal attack.

[Bart]

Pic of the Rose garden with formal Box hedge

[David oakman]

Many thanks someone told me today derby day:001_smile:

Nice garden Bart.

[Hogs Breath]

Trim them earlier rather than late in the year as this can reduce the chances of buxus blight.