New hedges benefit from formative pruning for the first couple of years after planting. This helps to encourage bushy growth and a framework of branches that fill out the area you want. The timing of formative pruning depends on whether the hedge is deciduous or evergreen.
Formative pruning of deciduous hedges: In winter, just after planting and in the following winter – cut back leading upright shoots by about one-third, cutting just above a bud to encourage bushy growth. Shoots extending out from the hedge can also be cut back by about one-third to keep the hedge narrow at this early stage, cutting just beyond a well-placed bud.
Formative pruning of evergreen hedges: Leave the leading shoot unpruned. For the first two years after planting, trim back any straggly side shoots to encourage bushy growth – in summer for conifers and in spring for other evergreen hedging plants.
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