Tree, Hedge, & Shrub Trimming

Q: When is the best time to trim hedges and shrubs?

The ideal time depends on the type of plant and its growth habits. Generally, we trim evergreen hedges in late spring or early summer and deciduous hedges in late winter or early spring when they are dormant.

Q: How often should you trim hedges and shrubs?

It varies depending on the type of hedge or shrub and the desired appearance. Some fast-growing hedges may need trimming 2-3 times during the growing season, while others may only need annual or biannual trimming. During an on-site visit we can give you the best recommended trimming and pruning interval for your specific plants.

Q: What is the difference between pruning and trimming?

Pruning typically involves selectively removing branches to improve plant health and shape, while trimming focuses on maintaining a neat, uniform appearance for hedges and shrubs. The two terms are often used interchangeably but they do mean different things.

Q: How much should be trimmed off a hedge or shrub at once?

Generally, it's a good rule of thumb to not remove more than one-third of the plant's total growth in a single session. Over-trimming your plants can stress the plant and impede healthy growth.

Q: Can I trim flowering shrubs and still expect blooms?

Trim flowering shrubs soon after they finish blooming to avoid removing buds for the next season. For spring-blooming shrubs, trim shortly after flowering, and for summer-blooming shrubs, trim in late winter or early spring.

Q: How can I promote dense growth in my hedges?

Trim regularly to encourage branching and maintain a slightly tapered shape to ensure adequate sunlight exposure to the entire hedge.

Q: How do you trim tall hedges and shrubs?

For tall hedges and shrubs we'll typically use a pole pruner, or an extendable hedge trimmer. We usually try and access the hedge using a step ladder so we can safely reach the taller branches. Taller hedges and shrubs can cost more in labor because they do take longer to trim.

Proper pruning encourages healthy plant growth

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Pricing

Proper Pruning Of Trees, Hedges, and Shrubs Encourages Healthy Growth
We can meticulously care for your trees, hedges, and shrubs

Do you have many trees, shrubs, bushes, and hedges on your property? In order to keep trees, shrubs and hedges looking their best with healthy new, uniform growth the old, dead, and dying branches must be trimmed back and pruned at least once or twice a year.

We specialize in pruning and trimming trees, shrubs and hedges

Hedges, shrubs, and trees don’t stop growing and in order to keep them healthy and uniform looking with even growth it’s important to keep them trimmed (or pruned is the professional term). Any dead and dying branches should be trimmed away and the new growth should be properly pruned to improve their appearance by giving them a nice uniform shape and it also encourages healthy new growth.

What Type Of Trimming Or Pruning Do You Need On Your Property?

Do you have small ornamental trees that need to be pruned?
Do you have a large privacy hedge that needs to be trimmed?
Do you have many smaller bushes or shrubs that need to be trimmed?
Are you trying to remove branches that are too close to your home?

Square Leaf Landscaping And Design is a local landscaping company based out of Hamilton, Ontario and serving the surrounding communities of Ancaster, Burlington, Dundas, Waterdown, Aldershot, Grimsby, Binbrooke, Oakville, and Stoney Creek. We specialize in the care and maintenance of small trees, shrubs, bushes, and hedges. We provide our trimming and pruning services for residential and commercial properties. Whether you have a large privacy hedge bordering the front or sides of your property or several small trees, bushes, and shrubs placed throughout your garden beds we can do a nicely shape and prune them for a clean, uniform, appearance and healthy growth.

How Our Pruning & Trimming Process Works

There are limits to the tree work we can do for our clients and it’s usually limited to what we can “safely do”. We can only prune and trim bushes and trees and hedges that we can reach from the ground or with a 10 foot ladder. If a ladder is not possible we can recommend a local tree company who can take care of any dangerous tree trimming that is beyond our scope.

We start with our initial consultation.
We will listen to your requirements, making any necessary suggestions.
We will work with you to determine the trees and shrubs that need pruning.
We show up on the scheduled days and prune and trim your trees and shrubs as promised.
We will remove all of the trimmings and dispose of them at a green waste facility.
The end result is healthy trees and shrubs with a clean, uniform look.

The final cost of your tree and hedge trimming will be determined by size and condition of the existing trees and shrubs. We’ll also need to consider the site accessibility. We’ll only be able to provide you with an accurate estimate for planting and maintaining your trees and shrubs after a thorough site inspection.

If you’d like to get an estimate to trim your hedge, trees, shrubs, or bushes please give us a call (289) 707-5607 or fill out our online contact form and we’ll get back to you right away.

Pruning Estimate

Tree and Hedge Trimming Costs

Hedge, tree, and shrub trimming costs can vary depending on the size and height and the overall scope of work required.

Small Shrubs & Bushes

$300 - $1000+

The final cost depends on how many shrubs and bushes need to be pruned. The cost includes trimming and removal, cleanup of all trimmings.

Tree Trimming

$300 - $1000+

The final cost depends on how many trees you have and their size need to be pruned. The cost includes trimming and removal, cleanup of all trimmings.

Only trees reachable with a 12' ladder.

Large Privacy Hedges

$1,000 - $3,000+

The final cost depends on the height and length of the hedge. This cost includes trimming and removal/cleanup of all the trimmings.

These prices are only ball park figures to give you a rough idea as to what you should expect to trim/prune your trees, hedges, and shrubs. Your particular project cost may vary depending on the size, height, and how many plants need pruning. If you need a firm price please request a consultation so we can view your potential project and determine the actual scope of work required to complete your pruning project.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trimming

When is the best time to trim hedges and shrubs?

How often should you trim hedges and shrubs?

What is the difference between pruning and trimming?

How much should be trimmed off a hedge or shrub at once?

Can I trim flowering shrubs and still expect blooms?

How can I promote dense growth in my hedges?

How do you trim tall hedges and shrubs?

Our Clients Love Us!

Here's What They Say

We called Sean because our backyard was in need of a solution for drainage. He knew exactly what we needed and worked inside our budget. They worked hard and were very professional. We are happy with his work and will hire again. Thanks Sean!

Jamey Hanton June 6, 2024

I first reached out to Square Leaf Landscaping because of their wonderful reviews. My experience with Sean and his team was a pleasure from start to finish. My new replaced front lawn and the artificial turf in the backyard look great. I couldn’t be happier with the work they completed and the clean up afterwards. I would highly recommend this company in the future for any outside project needs you may have. Thanks again Sean. October 2025

Tracy Boyd October 6, 2025

I am so pleased with work done at my home by Sean and crew. They were on time and left my home clean and tidy. Sean was a delight from his quote right to the end! I could not give them a higher review. They are the best!!!

Nancy ONeill August 7, 2024

Sean was quick to quote the trimming of a large hedge for us. He advised it would be a month or two out, but sqeezed us in earlier. They cleaned up all the debris and completed the job in 1 day. Based on this experience, I would have no problem recommending Square Leaf for this type of work.

Sam Funke April 3, 2024

They did an amazing job making our front and backyard so beautiful. They were also very professional and worked in an organized manner. I would recommend them!

Helen N January 11, 2024

Sean was the right choice. He came in at budget, and finished two days earlier than quoted. He and the team were at our house every day until the project was done. The project consisted of a new fence, and two layered deck to an above ground pool. He and the team were a welcomed sight every day. We have two dogs, and once the fence was done, Sean supported them with providing extra materials so they could walk across the deck boards prior to the deck being built. I would recommend them again and again, and want the best for them.

Melissa Kelly June 7, 2025

We had sean and his team out last summer to do a small patio and some artificial turf in our backyard, and we are in love with our new outdoor space. Sean was easy to work with, made sure to take all our requests into consideration when planning out the job, and his team was friendly and tidy. Great experience with square leaf landscaping! If you’re thinking about it , go for it! You won’t regret it!

Teresa Patterson February 28, 2024

Our neighbours had Square Leaf Landscaping Company come today to completely redo their frontage. The workers arrived promptly at 7:30 a.m. this morning and began the proceedings. Heat and air quality warnings were issued for the city by Environment Canada, mainly due to summer climate change and the wildfires burning in Northern Ontario. The men from this company set to work immediately and have worked there all day in these extremely difficult conditions. As I type, they are still there, finishing today’s business. They never once took a sustained break that we noticed. They worked diligently and very hard all of this stifling summer day. They used machines, but the noise was subdued and not bothersome; they made, of course, some dust and debris, but cleaned up as they worked. They demonstrated extreme professionalism and obvious dedication to the job at hand. We asked if they would remove a garden rock from our place that we wished to dispose of, as they had other rocks to deal with in the course of their landscaping. Sean, the owner, kindly agreed to do this. We consider this company the epitome of professionalism, dedication, courtesy and kindness. Wewould most definitely recommend them based on what we saw transpire today.

Jacek R July 25, 2025

Tree, Hedge, & Shrub Trimming

Proper Pruning Of Trees, Hedges, and Shrubs Encourages Healthy Growth
We can meticulously care for your trees, hedges, and shrubs