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down to the ground. It is preferable to have the top rounded ratherthan flat. Remember that a portion of the current year's growthmust be left on the plants when pruning. If privet hedges are winter-killed partially or wholly, or girdled byanimals, they should be cut back to four or six inches above the ground.A hedge, when newly planted, should be cut back severely, often towithin twelve inches of the ground. This is necessary in order to securethick growth at the base. Topiary Effects. The operation of pruning to produce topiaryeffects is one that requires much more careful attention and morefrequent pruning than almost any other type of pruning work, withthe exception of possibly some hedges such as privet hedges, whereit is necessary to maintain a constant, even effect. The yew and box-wood which are used for the most permanent effects in topiary workcan be pruned to best advantage during the latter part of June and theearly part of July, at which time all the new growth should be cut backas far as the older growth, which consists of darker green leaves. Thisallows opportunity for new shoots to develop within the old growthand thicken the mass. Many plants used for such topiary effects asovals, spheres, pyramids, cones, spirals, etc., can be given a thoroughtrimming when the trees are young. The subsequent growth (if theloose-growing tips are kept cut back) will continue to increase thedimensions of these designs in an interesting way. The key tosuccessful topiary effects is the accurate shape to which the tree istrimmed when the first pruning work on the specimen is undertaken. |
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