Gardeners urged to do one simple task before summer ends to ward off pests

11 September 2023 , 13:19

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It's the perfect time to do this (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

As the seasons start to change from summer to autumn, we get the most amazing crops. Apples and blackberries are at their best while beetroot and butternut squash also come into season. But there is one gardening job you should try to get done now in order to ward off those end of summer pests.

Now is the perfect time to trim your hedges and make sure they are all in good shape. Summer is prime time for pests to gnaw at your bushes, but if you trim your hedge during the winter when the frost creeps in, this can impact growth. But now, as seasons change, you can strengthen your hedge with a bit of a trim to keep them protected in the long run from insects and diseases.

Black & Decker's gardening supplies manager Tim Winstanley told Yorkshire Live that trimming is one of the best things you can do to boost a plant's defence against pests and diseases. "Doing this ahead of autumn will promote green growth," he explained.

What's the best way to trim a hedge?

Approach each bush differently, with different tools, advises the Royal Horticultural Society. For example, hand-held hedge shears will work for smaller hedges, but for large hedges you might prefer a powered hedge trimmer. Tim Winstanley's advice? "When trimming, start from the bottom of the hedge and work your way up, this will allow you to catch falling clippings and maintain an even cut."

More formal hedges, like box or privet bushes, might require tapering on both sides so that the base is wider than the top and light can reach the bottom of the hedge. Your more informal hedges, like lavender, just need cutting back to the required size, and removing any misplaced shoots.

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The RHS warns gardeners to always think of their safety when trimming their hedge - particularly if they're using a powered hedge trimmer. "Wear safety goggles and thick gloves. Before starting, remove any obstacles on the ground. Try to avoid using powered tools above shoulder height and use sturdy tripod ladders, step ladders or platforms, ensuring they are stable," they say.

What will you be doing to your garden this season? Let us know in the comments.

Bryony Gooch