If your hedges are more jungle than border, here’s when to bring in the big clippers.

Hedges aren’t just decorative, they shape your home’s curb appeal, create privacy, and act as natural windbreaks. But like any part of your landscape, they need routine care. Left alone for too long, even well-planted shrubs can grow wild, become patchy, or start harboring pests.

At A+ Tree & Crane Services, we help homeowners throughout Raleigh and the Triangle maintain neat, healthy hedges with professional trimming techniques that support long-term growth.

Here’s how to know when it’s time to give those shrubs a serious cut and why calling in the pros is usually the best next move.

Why Proper Hedge Trimming Matters

Hedge trimming isn’t just about looks. When done correctly and at the right time of year, it promotes:

• Dense, even growth from base to tip
• A tidy, uniform shape that boosts curb appeal
• Healthier plants that resist disease and drought
• Fewer hiding spots for pests and rodents

Skipping routine trimming can lead to dead branches, uneven canopies, and stressed-out shrubs that don’t recover well.

See how professional hedge trimming improves more than just looks.

Sign #1: You Can’t See Out Your Windows or Walkways

One of the most obvious signs it’s time to trim? You’re losing visibility around your home.

Overgrown hedges can:

• Block light and views from windows
• Spill onto sidewalks, driveways, or fences
• Create blind spots near entrances and roads

Not only does this hurt your home’s appearance—it can become a safety concern. In some Raleigh neighborhoods, local ordinances or HOA guidelines also require keeping walkways clear and shrubs trimmed below a certain height.

Sign #2: You’re Noticing Dead Branches or Patchy Spots

Healthy hedges should be dense and uniform, not thin or spotted. If you’re seeing:

• Brown or dry areas
• Stunted branches
• Irregular gaps or patches

…it may be a sign of improper pruning in the past, a hidden pest problem, or a plant disease.

Professional hedge trimming encourages balanced growth and allows shrubs to recover from damage without worsening the problem.

According to the University of Florida’s IFAS Extension, pruning shrubs correctly helps restore shape and health without putting the plant under additional stress—a key reason to bring in trained professionals.

Sign #3: Bugs or Critters Are Making Themselves at Home

Dense, untrimmed hedges create the perfect shelter for unwanted guests. Common pests that may hide in overgrown shrubbery include:

• Rodents like rats or voles
• Mosquitoes and insects attracted to damp, shady areas
• Spiders, ants, and other crawlies that love dense plant cover

Routine trimming improves airflow and sunlight penetration, both of which discourage pests from nesting near your home.

As noted by Lawn Buddies in their guide to protecting trees and hedges from pests, regular hedge maintenance plays a critical role in discouraging insects, rodents, and other pests from nesting in dense, overgrown vegetation.

Sign #4: Your HOA (or Neighbors) Are Dropping Hints

Some neighborhoods in the Raleigh area enforce landscape maintenance guidelines, including hedge height, shape, or proximity to sidewalks.

Even without formal rules, unkempt hedges can reduce your property value and make your home appear neglected. Regular trimming shows pride of ownership and can help you avoid a letter from your HOA—or a subtle comment from next door.

Meet the local crew trusted by residents all over The Triangle.

Why It’s Better to Call the Pros (Not Just Grab the Trimmers)

It’s tempting to take hedge care into your own hands, but incorrect trimming can do more harm than good.

Our team brings:

• Knowledge of proper cuts based on shrub type and season
• Tools that make clean, efficient cuts
• The ability to spot early signs of disease, insect damage, or root issues.
• Safe cleanup and removal so your yard looks fresh the same day

Over-pruning can permanently damage the plant structure. Letting us take care of your hedge trimming ensures your greenery stays healthy, strong, and beautiful year-round.

Get a quote for hedge trimming from certified pros.

FAQs About Hedge Trimming

How often should hedges be trimmed?

Most hedges benefit from trimming two to three times per year, depending on the species, growth rate, and your desired shape. Fast-growing hedges may need touch-ups more frequently to maintain a formal appearance.

Is there a “wrong” time to trim?

Yes and no. Trimming during flowering or dormancy may reduce blooms or regrowth, but in some cases—such as storm damage or visibility issues, it’s necessary. The key is knowing what your plant needs, and trimming accordingly. See our blog on the best time to prune in NC. 

Can you fix hedges that have been over-trimmed?

In many cases, yes. While some damage is permanent, we can often use corrective pruning to reshape the hedge and encourage regrowth. If the plant is too damaged, we’ll walk you through safe removal and replacement options.

Conclusion: Tame the Tangle Before It Spreads

Well-kept hedges do more than outline your landscape. They signal care, protect your property, and boost curb appeal. But once they get unruly, the benefits fade fast.

When your hedges start blocking windows, losing their shape, or attracting unwanted guests, it’s time to call the professionals.

See our hedge trimming services for more information or reach out to A+ Tree & Crane for professional hedge trimming in Raleigh, NC. We’ll help you keep your greenery healthy, your yard sharp, and your weekends tool-free.

Daytime Phone Number: Call 919.854.0020

After Hours Emergency Phone Number: ​​Call 919.868.1193