Shuttleworth Hedge Pruning

Tom took us to this area of the college where the hedge line was in need of pruning.

Hedge line behind obstacles

Overgrown hedge line

When we got to the site, we were asked to complete a risk assessment. There were several potential risk observed, for example, uneven ground, low branches and potential of toxic or hazardous plants.

Risk Assessment

The hedge line had to be brought down to below the height of the fence, therefore the pruning was done lower that this to account for new growth, this will help pruning in the future as pruning the new shoots will be easier than main branches.

Using loppers to cut thick branches

We had a few different tools available to use on this project. Secateurs, loppers and saws, these all had their place, for example, the secateurs were great with new growth, the saw worked well with the more established branches. When using the saw, we had to be very careful because it was very sharp and cut on the back stroke instead of on the forward stroke like a standard saw.

When using the saw we were taught how to cut a step cut, this protects the branch for tear off and also helps to control the branch when falling.

Small step cut made with a saw

Cleaned up cut after initial step cut

All of the off cut waste was piled up pointing in the same direction so it will be easy for the person who come later to put it through the chipping machine.

By the end of the day the hedge line looked very neat and even in height, we now wait for the spring for the new shoots and for it to reach the new height.

Site looks neat, even and tidy

Making the last few cut