Lawnmower Shrub Trimming

In 2009, two friends in New Zealand tried a novel method of trimming a hedge. They suspended their riding lawnmower with a crane and dangled above the row of shrubbery, snipping the hedge as their lawnmower rumbled at the end of the swaying line. While the shrubs didn't seem to mind the unorthodox approach, this isn't a wise method to maintain your shrubs; one of the men broke his hand. You can, however, trim certain shrubs in your landscape with a lawnmower. Not every shrub is a candidate for such drastic measures, but using a lawnmower makes quick work of seasonal pruning.

Things You'll Need

• Lawnmower
• Pruning Shears

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Identify the shrubs you wish to cut back. Shrubs that respond well to rejuvenation pruning -- or pruning the shrub nearly to the ground -- produce many new stems rather than a central trunk and are not extremely woody. Cut back these shrubs every three to five years when they become overgrown or shaggy.

   • 2

     Sharpen the lawnmower's blade. Shrubs aren't flimsy like grass; a dull blade mangles the shrub's stems rather than cutting them cleanly.

   • 3

     Mow over the shrub in late winter or early spring. Remove the cuttings. Clear away thick mulches, heavy rock or landscape fabric that otherwise would strangle new shoots at the shrub's base. Shrubs that normally bloom will not flower this year.

   • 4

     Thin the shrub the next spring rather than cutting it down with the lawnmower. Cut weak or spindly stems at ground level with pruning shears.