Neighbor's Unruly Hedge Tamed: Unveiling the Pruning Rules Everyone Ought to Follow
In the quiet neighbourhood where the narrator resides, a six-foot-tall American cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus var. americanum) hedge separates two properties. This unoccupied house behind the narrator's home has been vacant for years, and the hedge had been neglected, suffering from lack of care.
The narrator's husband, eager to maintain the appearance of their own property, proposed trimming the overgrown hedge without seeking permission from the neighbour first. However, the narrator, mindful of the importance of good neighbourly relations, convinced him to wait and speak with the neighbour instead.
Approaching hedge problems between houses with a positive attitude can lead to resolution, and this was no exception. The neighbour, who had expressed difficulty managing the garden, was pleased with the offer to take care of the hedge. With the neighbour's permission, the narrator set to work.
High-nitrogen fertilizer is best for supporting leaf growth in hedges, and BioAdvanced 12 Month Tree and Shrub Protect and Feed was used as fertilizer for the hedge. After feeding the cranberrybush, the hedge began to thrive again, its once neglected appearance replaced by a vibrant, healthy growth.
Before trimming, it's crucial to check for nesting birds and avoid the key nesting season. Fortunately, the narrator found no signs of nesting birds, and the Greenworks 40V Cordless Hedge Trimmer was used to trim the hedge. For taller hedges, a Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer was employed to ensure a thorough job.
The neighbour's gratitude was evident as the once overgrown hedge was transformed into a well-maintained boundary between their properties. This neighbourly act not only improved the appearance of both gardens but also strengthened the bond between the two neighbours.
References:
- The Spruce
- The Balance
- Nolo
- HomeAdvisor
- FindLaw
In the spirit of enhancing the overall lifestyle and home-and-garden aesthetic of both properties, the narrator decided to tend to the neglected cranberrybush hedge, turning it from a neglected barrier into a vibrant, healthy home-and-garden feature. By taking care of the hedge, the narrator not only improved the gardening aspect of their neighbour's home but also fostered a stronger connection within the community.
