Tapering a Hedge So the Bottom Gets Light

To get more light to the bottom of a hedge, shape its sides so they slope gently inward toward the top. The base should be wider than the top, allowing sunlight to reach lower foliage. Trim gradually, checking the shape as you work; cutting too far back can leave bare patches that some shrubs may not fill in.

Why the bottom needs to be wider

A hedge with straight or outward-flaring sides can shade its own lower branches. A slight inward taper lets more light reach the base and can help keep foliage fuller from top to bottom. The goal is a subtle slope, not a sharply pointed or wedge-shaped hedge.

How to taper the hedge

1. Check the hedge before cutting. Look for nesting birds, dead or diseased branches, and sections that are already sparse. Follow local rules and avoid disturbing active nests.
2. Decide how much to remove. If the hedge is only a little too wide at the top, trim just enough to establish a gentle slope. For a badly overgrown hedge, reduce it over time rather than cutting it back severely in one session.
3. Set a visual guide. Stand back and use the hedge’s existing shape as a reference. For a long hedge, a taut line or a helper at the far end can help you keep the slope consistent. Keep any guide clear of the cutting path.
4. Trim the sides in small passes. Start near the base and work upward, following the intended slope. Step back often to check both sides and avoid creating dips or flat spots. Cut only the outer growth you can reach safely.
5. Check the top and clean up. Keep the top level or gently rounded, rather than wider than the base. Follow the plant’s growth habit and the hedge trimmer manufacturer’s instructions for cutting position and technique.

Be cautious with bare inner branches

Many hedge trimmers are intended for trimming new growth, not cutting thick woody limbs. More importantly, some evergreen shrubs do not reliably regrow from bare old wood. If tapering would expose a large area of leafless interior, make smaller reductions over several growing seasons or ask a qualified arborist or local horticulture service about the plant’s response to pruning.

Use the right setup and work safely

Choose a trimmer that you can control comfortably for the hedge’s height and branch thickness. Check the manufacturer’s limits for what the blades can cut; use hand pruners or an appropriate saw for branches that exceed them. A longer blade can cover more area per pass, but it can be harder to maneuver precisely on a tight or uneven hedge.

Wear eye and hearing protection, sturdy footwear, and any other protective equipment required by the manual. Keep both hands on the tool if its design requires it, maintain stable footing, and do not reach above shoulder height or cut from an unstable ladder. Stop the trimmer and follow the manual’s procedure for clearing jams or adjusting the tool. For battery or corded models, keep batteries and cords clear of the cutting area.

When tapering won't solve the problem

If the bottom is already bare, changing the outside shape may not restore foliage there. The cause could be deep shade, plant age, disease, or pruning into old wood. Identify the shrub and check its pruning needs before making a major cut. If it tolerates renovation, staged pruning may help; if it does not, replacing the hedge or planting a more suitable shrub may be more practical than repeatedly trimming it.