Hedging and Topiary Services

Neatly trimmed hedges and carefully shaped plants can make a huge difference to the look of any garden. They add structure, create boundaries, and bring a sense of order to the space. Whether you want a simple, clean hedge line or decorative topiary shapes, our hedging and topiary services are designed to keep your plants healthy and looking their best.

We don’t just cut and hope for the best – we work with the natural growth patterns of each plant. That means using the right tools and techniques to encourage thick, even growth while avoiding damage. From tall privacy hedges to intricate designs, we’ll shape your greenery to suit your garden’s style and your personal taste.

Regular trimming not only keeps your hedges and topiary looking sharp, but it also helps prevent overgrowth and maintains plant health. We take care of all the hard work, so you can enjoy a garden that’s tidy, well-presented, and full of character all year round.

The Right Hedge

Not sure what the right hedge will be that will suit your needs?

When thinking about putting in a hedge there are a great many things to think about, the main being:

The purpose the hedge will perform. Will the hedge be used as a privacy screen to block out neighbours and reduce noise? Or is it purely for ornamental purposes as a feature in the garden?
The root systems and common diseases prevalent with each plant. Thought has to be given to the root systems of the plant and how invasive they will be to underground pipes or driveways. Some plants are more susceptible to diseases than others or are more suited to a particular environment – If you are in cool areas where there is frost, or in drought prone areas this may affect they type of plant that you can grow.
Growth of hedge and the maintenance required to keep it looking good. Plants grow at different rates, the quicker it grows the more time you will have to spend maintaining it.
The size of your plants and how easy they will be to establish. Smaller plants are cheaper to purchase but will take longer to form a hedge, larger plants will take a shorter amount of time but are harder to establish and their success rate is lower. You will also have to consider how patient you are prepared to be for it to reach your desired size.
Great consideration should be put into the purpose, environment and maintenance requirements of any plant so that you choose the right hedge that will meet all your needs.

And, of course, if you want some additional help and advice on planting, hedging & tree trimming, then the simplest solution is to let Fox Mowing look after it all for you.

And while we’re there in your garden, we can do a lot of other stuff too to get your garden looking, and feeling, its best.

Pros And Cons Of Hedging

There are plenty of reasons for and against planting a hedge. We will lay out a few points for each to consider:

Pros of Hedging

Evergreen hedges can look fantastic alongside your garden design

Hedges look great! Any shape, size or for any purpose, they will add a great feature to your garden!
Hedges change with the season. Depending on what type of plants you get they can flower or change colour through the year adding variety and interest to the garden.
Hedges are wildlife attracting. Birds, bees, butterflies and other wildlife will be encouraged to enter your garden.
Hedges are weather resistant. Unlike metal fencing which can rust or wooden fences that can split, warp or peel. Plants when properly looked after will generally outlive fences.
It’s easier to DIY. You don’t have to pay someone to construct or fit a fence, wall, retaining wall for you, as you can plant a hedge yourself instead.

Cons of Hedging

Plants are expensive. They are definitely not cheap and the larger the hedge you want the more it will cost to set it all up.
Planting a hedge that fails to grow is a costly exercise. There are no guarantees that you plants will flourish and form a beautiful thick hedge. You may need to fork out more money to replace any plants that failed to grow.
Depending of the type of plant, hedges can take a long time to establish. Sometimes plants especially the larger they are take a lot more time and effort to establish than others, so getting a hedge can be a timely experience and does not happen over night- it’s a work in progress!
Ongoing Maintenance. The hedge will need to be watered and then pruned regularly in order to keep its shape & appearance.
And, of course, if you want some additional help and advice on planting, hedging & tree trimming, then the simplest solution is to let Fox Mowing look after it all for you.
And while we’re there in your garden, we can do a lot of other stuff too to get your garden looking, and feeling, its best.

Planning the Hedge

A well-planned hedge can completely transform your garden — providing privacy, defining boundaries, reducing wind, and adding year-round beauty. In Tasmania’s unique climate, taking the time to plan your hedge properly can make all the difference to how it grows and thrives.

Choosing the Right Hedge Plants

The first step is selecting plants that suit both your garden’s style and Tasmania’s conditions. Consider whether you want an evergreen hedge for consistent coverage, or a deciduous one that changes with the seasons. Popular evergreen choices in Tasmania include boxwood, lilly pilly, and photinia, while flowering options like camellias add a burst of colour.

Think about the growth rate too — faster-growing plants will give you privacy sooner, but may require more frequent trimming. Slower growers take longer to establish, but need less maintenance over time.

Considering Purpose and Placement

Ask yourself: what’s the main reason for the hedge? Is it purely decorative, or will it also act as a privacy screen or windbreak? Your hedge’s purpose will influence its height, density, and placement. For example, a hedge designed for privacy may need to be taller and denser than one intended just to edge a garden bed.

It’s also worth checking local council guidelines, as there may be rules about hedge height and placement along boundaries.

Preparing the Site

Healthy soil is the foundation for a thriving hedge. Before planting, loosen the soil and enrich it with compost or organic matter to improve drainage and nutrient content. In Tasmania, where some areas can be prone to heavy rainfall, ensuring good drainage is key to preventing root rot.

Mark out a straight line for planting, using string or stakes to keep spacing even. This will help your hedge grow uniformly and look neat over time.

Planting and Early Care

When planting, give each shrub enough room to grow without overcrowding — generally between 30 cm to 1 m apart, depending on the species. Water thoroughly after planting, and keep the soil consistently moist while the plants establish.

Mulching around the base will help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and keep weeds at bay.

Ongoing Maintenance

A young hedge benefits from light, regular pruning to encourage dense, healthy growth. Once established, maintenance pruning once or twice a year is usually enough to keep it looking neat.

With thoughtful planning, the right plant choice, and proper care, your hedge can become a lasting feature in your Tasmanian garden — beautiful to look at, functional for privacy, and a delight through the changing seasons.

Frequencies

Hedges are a timeless feature in Tasmanian gardens – offering privacy, structure, and year-round greenery. But just like any living plant, hedges need regular care to look their best. One of the most important aspects of hedge maintenance is knowing how often to trim them. Too often, and you risk stressing the plant. Too little, and they can quickly lose shape or become overgrown.

At Fox Mowing Tasmania, we help homeowners and businesses keep their hedges neat, healthy, and thriving with the right trimming schedule tailored to each species and season.

Why Hedge Trimming Frequency Matters

The frequency of hedge trimming is not just about appearance – it directly affects the health and lifespan of your plants. Regular maintenance encourages dense, even growth and prevents woody, sparse areas from developing. It also helps keep your hedge within the desired size and shape, avoiding the need for harsh cuts that can take a long time to recover from.

How Often Should You Trim Your Hedges in Tasmania?

The ideal trimming frequency depends on several factors:
1. Hedge Type

• Formal Hedges (like boxwood, lilly pilly, or privet): These are kept neat and uniform, so they often need trimming 3–4 times a year to maintain their shape.
• Informal Hedges (such as photinia or bottlebrush): These can be trimmed 1–2 times a year, depending on how natural you want them to look.

2. Growth Rate

• Fast-growing species (like lilly pilly or viburnum) may need attention more often, especially in spring and summer.
• Slower-growing plants (like conifers) require less frequent trimming.

3. Seasonal Changes

• In spring and summer, plants experience a growth surge, so trimming is usually needed more often.
• In autumn and winter, growth slows, meaning fewer trims are required – though a light tidy-up may still be beneficial.

4. Purpose of the Hedge

• Privacy hedges need to maintain dense coverage and may require more frequent shaping.
• Decorative hedges may only need seasonal shaping to keep their visual appeal.

Example Hedge Trimming Timetable for Tasmania

• Formal hedge: Every 6–8 weeks in the growing season, with a final tidy before winter.
• Informal hedge: Once in late spring and once in late summer.
• Flowering hedge: Trim after flowering to avoid cutting off next season’s blooms.

Hedge Trimming and Growth Health

Over-trimming can lead to plant stress, reduced flowering, and even dieback in some species. On the other hand, letting a hedge go too long without trimming can make it woody and sparse inside, which is harder to correct later. Finding the right balance is key – and that’s where Fox Mowing Tasmania can help with expert advice and services.

Why Choose Fox Mowing for Hedge Maintenance in Tasmania?

• Tailored Care: We adjust trimming schedules to suit your hedge species, age, and purpose.
• Local Knowledge: We understand Tasmania’s climate and how it affects hedge growth.
• Full Service: From shaping and pruning to pest control and fertilising, we keep your hedges looking their best year-round.
• Safety First: We handle tall or hard-to-reach hedges safely, with professional tools and equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hedge Trimming Frequencies

1. How often should I trim my hedge for maximum privacy?
For dense coverage, trim 3–4 times a year during the growing season to encourage thick foliage.
2. Is winter a good time to trim hedges?
Light trimming is fine in winter, but avoid heavy cuts as growth slows and recovery takes longer.
3. Can trimming too often damage my hedge?
Yes – excessive trimming can stress the plant. Always leave enough foliage to allow for healthy regrowth.
4. When should I trim flowering hedges?
Always trim after the blooming season so you don’t remove next year’s flower buds.
5. Can Fox Mowing set up a regular hedge maintenance schedule for me?
Absolutely! We offer flexible, tailored schedules so your hedges always look their best without you lifting a finger.

Whether you have a neat front boundary hedge or a sprawling garden screen, Fox Mowing Tasmania can keep it looking perfect all year round.

Call us today to book your hedge maintenance service and enjoy lush, beautifully shaped hedges without the hassle.

The History of Topiary

Topiary – the art of shaping plants into decorative forms – has been a part of garden design for centuries. From intricate animal shapes to simple, elegant spheres, topiary adds a unique charm to gardens, blending horticulture with artistry. At Fox Mowing Tasmania, we often come across customers who admire this craft but don’t know its rich history. Let’s take a stroll through time to see how topiary began, evolved, and continues to thrive in Tasmanian gardens today.

Ancient Roots

The earliest form of topiary can be traced back to ancient Rome. Wealthy Romans, inspired by their love for order and beauty, began trimming evergreen shrubs into geometric patterns. They used plants such as boxwood, laurel, and cypress to adorn their courtyards and villas. Roman gardens weren’t just about food production – they were an expression of status, culture, and refinement.

The Renaissance Revival

Topiary fell out of fashion during the Middle Ages but was revived in full splendour during the Renaissance. In Italy and France, grand gardens like those at the Palace of Versailles showcased breathtaking displays of perfectly manicured hedges, spirals, and animal figures. The art became a symbol of sophistication, inspiring garden designers across Europe to embrace symmetry and creativity in their layouts.

The English Garden Influence

By the 16th and 17th centuries, topiary made its way to England. While the formal gardens maintained the intricate shapes, the English later adopted a softer, more naturalistic style. However, the love for whimsical and ornate plant designs persisted in country estates and manor houses. In fact, some historic gardens in the UK still feature topiary that has been maintained for over a hundred years.

Topiary in Australia and Tasmania

European settlers brought the art of topiary to Australia in the 18th and 19th centuries, where it found a place in formal gardens and public parks. In Tasmania, the cooler climate is ideal for many evergreen plants used in topiary, such as boxwood and privet. Today, topiary is still popular for adding structure, elegance, and personality to home gardens.

Modern Topiary – A Blend of Tradition and Creativity

These days, topiary isn’t just limited to the grand estates of the past. Homeowners and landscapers in Tasmania use it to add focal points to gardens, create privacy screens, and inject a touch of artistry into everyday outdoor spaces. While traditional geometric and animal shapes remain popular, modern topiary also explores abstract designs and even seasonal sculptures for special events.

Why Topiary Appeals to Garden Lovers

• Timeless beauty: It never goes out of style and complements all types of landscapes.
• Creative expression: Offers endless design possibilities, from classic to contemporary.
• Long-lasting investment: Well-maintained topiary can last decades, even centuries.

Fox Mowing Tasmania – Your Partner in Garden Artistry

Whether you want to start your own topiary project or need help maintaining an existing one, our team at Fox Mowing Tasmania has the skills, tools, and local plant knowledge to keep your garden looking stunning year-round. From careful trimming to expert plant selection, we ensure your topiary is healthy and beautifully shaped for years to come.

Contact us today to bring a touch of history and artistry to your garden!