Hedging and Topiary

 
At Fox Mowing, our Hedging and Topiary Services bring structure, style, and artistry to your garden. Whether you’re after clean, formal lines or creative topiary shapes, we use expert techniques and precision tools to sculpt and maintain your hedges with care. From routine trims to detailed shaping, our team ensures your greenery stays healthy, balanced, and visually striking all year round.

We work with a wide variety of hedge species and plant types, tailoring our trimming schedule to suit the growth patterns and health of your plants. Our experienced team also assesses sunlight exposure, soil condition, and plant spacing to encourage strong, even growth and long-lasting results.

Whether it’s framing your property with a formal hedge, creating privacy screens, or crafting unique topiary features, Fox Mowing delivers meticulous service and creative flair. We take pride in transforming and maintaining gardens that look polished and well-kept—enhancing curb appeal and adding a touch of elegance to your outdoor space.

Get The Right Hedge

Not sure what the right hedge will be that will suit your needs?
When thinking about putting in a hedge there are a great many things to think about, the main being:

• The purpose the hedge will perform. Will the hedge be used as a privacy screen to block out neighbours and reduce noise? Or is it purely for ornamental purposes as a feature in the garden?
• The root systems and common diseases prevalent with each plant. Thought has to be given to the root systems of the plant and how invasive they will be to underground pipes or driveways. Some plants are more susceptible to diseases than others or are more suited to a particular environment – If you are in cool areas where there is frost, or in drought prone areas this may affect they type of plant that you can grow.
• Growth of hedge and the maintenance required to keep it looking good. Plants grow at different rates, the quicker it grows the more time you will have to spend maintaining it.
• The size of your plants and how easy they will be to establish. Smaller plants are cheaper to purchase but will take longer to form a hedge, larger plants will take a shorter amount of time but are harder to establish and their success rate is lower. You will also have to consider how patient you are prepared to be for it to reach your desired size.

Great consideration should be put into the purpose, environment and maintenance requirements of any plant so that you choose the right hedge that will meet all your needs.

And, of course, if you want some additional help and advice on planting, hedging & tree trimming, then the simplest solution is to let Fox Mowing look after it all for you.

And while we’re there in your garden, we can do a lot of other stuff too to get your garden looking, and feeling, its best.

Planning The Hedge

Thinking of planting a hedge? Whether you want to add privacy, create structure, reduce noise, or simply elevate your garden’s aesthetic—planning your hedge properly is the key to long-term success.

At Fox Mowing, we don’t just trim and maintain hedges—we can help you make the right start by choosing the best hedge plants for your property, your lifestyle, and your local climate. With the right planning, your hedge can be a stunning, low-maintenance asset for years to come.

Why Hedges Are a Smart Choice for Australian Gardens

• Natural privacy screen without the harshness of fences
• Shelter from wind and sun, protecting more delicate plants
• Reduces street noise in urban areas
• Defines boundaries and creates garden rooms
• Adds greenery all year round (especially evergreen varieties)
• Encourages wildlife, such as birds and bees

Whether formal or free-flowing, hedges offer a living, growing solution to many garden needs.

Step-by-Step: Planning Your Perfect Hedge

1. Define Your Purpose

Start by asking: What do you want your hedge to do?

• Privacy – Block neighbours or busy roads
• Windbreak – Protect gardens in open or coastal areas
• Decorative – Enhance design and layout
• Wildlife-friendly – Provide shelter and food for birds or pollinators
• Noise reduction – Buffer from nearby roads

Your goal will influence the type, height, density, and growth rate of the plants you choose.

2. Choose the Right Plant for the Job

Australia has a wide variety of hedge plants suited to different conditions. Our local team can help you select the best option, but here are some popular choices:

We’ll assess your location, soil type, sun exposure, and maintenance preferences before recommending the best fit.

3. Plan the Spacing

Correct spacing ensures healthy growth and prevents overcrowding.

• Small hedges: 20–40 cm between plants
• Medium hedges: 50–80 cm
• Tall privacy hedges: 1–1.5 metres apart

We’ll help determine the right layout to allow airflow, sunlight, and dense coverage over time.

4. Prepare the Ground

Good soil = healthy hedge.

Before planting, we:

• Clear weeds and debris
• Loosen the soil
• Add compost or organic matter
• Level and mark out planting positions

For larger hedges, we can trench the entire row to improve soil consistency.

5. Plant and Mulch

Once the ground is ready, it’s time to plant.

• Each plant is carefully positioned and backfilled
• Mulch is spread to retain moisture and reduce weed growth
• Watering is done immediately and advised for the following weeks

We use quality mulch and can recommend slow-release fertilisers to help your new hedge thrive.

6. First Prune and Ongoing Maintenance

Pruning early encourages strong, bushy growth.

We’ll guide you on:

• When to do the first prune
• How often to trim
• Shaping for formal or natural looks

Fox Mowing also offers regular hedge maintenance to keep your plants healthy, tidy, and well-shaped throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does a hedge take to grow?

It depends on the species. Fast-growing varieties like Pittosporum or Photinia can reach privacy height in 1–2 years, while slower hedges like Buxus may take 3–5 years.

2. Can I plant a hedge all year round?

In most Australian regions, the best time is autumn or early spring. We avoid planting during extreme summer heat or winter frosts.

3. Do hedges need a lot of maintenance?

It varies. Formal hedges need regular trimming (every 6–8 weeks), while native or informal hedges require less attention. We offer flexible care plans to suit your hedge type and budget.

4. What if my soil is poor or clay-heavy?

We can improve your soil with organic matter, gypsum (for clay), and raised beds or berms. Proper soil prep is essential for hedge success.

5. Can you help remove an old hedge before planting a new one?

Yes! We offer hedge removal, soil clearing, and replanting as a complete service.

Why Choose Fox Mowing for Hedge Planning and Planting?

• Expert advice on plant selection and design
• Local knowledge of Australian conditions
• Proper planting for long-term success
• Optional maintenance and pruning packages
• Fully insured, friendly professionals near you

Let us help you plant the perfect hedge—from planning and preparation to planting and pruning. With Fox Mowing, you’re not just getting a hedge—you’re growing a feature that adds value, privacy, and style to your property.

Pros and Cons Of Hedging

There are plenty of reasons for and against planting a hedge. We will lay out a few points for each to consider:

Pros of Hedging

Evergreen hedges can look fantastic alongside your garden design

• Hedges look great! Any shape, size or for any purpose, they will add a great feature to your garden!
• Hedges change with the season. Depending on what type of plants you get they can flower or change colour through the year adding variety and interest to the garden.
• Hedges are wildlife attracting. Birds, bees, butterflies and other wildlife will be encouraged to enter your garden.
• Hedges are weather resistant. Unlike metal fencing which can rust or wooden fences that can split, warp or peel. Plants when properly looked after will generally outlive fences.
• It’s easier to DIY. You don’t have to pay someone to construct or fit a fence, wall, retaining wall for you, as you can plant a hedge yourself instead.

Cons of Hedging

• Plants are expensive. They are definitely not cheap and the larger the hedge you want the more it will cost to set it all up.
• Planting a hedge that fails to grow is a costly exercise. There are no guarantees that you plants will flourish and form a beautiful thick hedge. You may need to fork out more money to replace any plants that failed to grow.
• Depending of the type of plant, hedges can take a long time to establish. Sometimes plants especially the larger they are take a lot more time and effort to establish than others, so getting a hedge can be a timely experience and does not happen over night- it’s a work in progress!
• Ongoing Maintenance. The hedge will need to be watered and then pruned regularly in order to keep its shape & appearance.

And, of course, if you want some additional help and advice on planting, hedging & tree trimming, then the simplest solution is to let Fox Mowing look after it all for you.
And while we’re there in your garden, we can do a lot of other stuff too to get your garden looking, and feeling, its best.

Frequencies

Hedges and topiaries do more than frame your garden—they define it. But to keep them looking sharp, symmetrical, and healthy, it’s not just about how you trim them—it’s about how often.

At Fox Mowing, we know that regular maintenance is the secret to lush, full hedges and beautifully sculpted topiaries. Whether you prefer a formal boxed hedge or natural curves, timing your trims makes all the difference.

Why Frequency Matters in Hedge and Topiary Care

Overgrown hedges don’t just look messy—they:

• Shade out lower branches, causing thinning
• Become harder to reshape later
• Invite pests and fungal issues
• Can encroach on footpaths, driveways, or neighbouring properties

Topiaries especially need consistent care—miss a few trims, and your elegant ball or spiral can quickly lose definition.

How Often Should Hedges and Topiaries Be Trimmed?

It depends on the plant species, growth rate, and your desired look. Here’s a general guide:

We tailor trimming schedules to suit your garden, goals, and local climate. Many clients opt for seasonal or monthly visits to stay on top of growth.

What’s Included in Our Hedging and Topiary Service

• Precise trimming using sharp, professional tools
• Shaping for formal lines, curves, domes, or topiary features
• Debris removal and clean-up after each visit
• Advice on fertilising, watering, and pest prevention
• Optional formative pruning for young plants

Our team works carefully to maintain the plant’s health while achieving your desired style—never over-cutting or forcing shapes.

Perfect For:

• Homes with decorative hedges or privacy screens
• Formal gardens with geometric or box hedges
• Topiary features in pots or garden beds
• Properties preparing for inspections or sale
• Clients wanting low-maintenance, year-round structure

We service everything from compact courtyards to large estate hedging.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens if I don’t trim my hedge regularly?

Over time, hedges become woody, sparse, and lose their shape. Regular light trimming encourages dense growth and a neat outline.

2. Will frequent trimming damage the plant?

No—provided it’s done correctly. We avoid harsh cuts and always trim during the right season for your plant type.

3. Can you take over after a hedge has been neglected?

Yes. We offer hedge restoration services to bring your hedge back into shape through staged pruning and care.

4. Do topiaries need trimming in winter?

Some slow-growth topiaries (like Buxus) can be lightly touched up in winter, but most shaping is best done in spring and summer.

5. Can I schedule regular hedge maintenance?

Absolutely. Many of our clients book ongoing service every 4–8 weeks. We can also tailor seasonal packages to suit your garden’s needs.

Why Choose Fox Mowing for Your Hedge & Topiary Care?

• Expert shaping and precision trimming
• Regular, reliable scheduling
• Experienced with both formal and informal styles
• Careful clean-up every time
• Local teams who understand your plants and climate

From sharp-lined privacy hedges to eye-catching topiary artistry, Fox Mowing keeps your green features neat, tidy, and thriving—all year round.

The History Of Topiary

Topiary—the skillful art of shaping plants into ornamental forms—has adorned gardens for centuries, blending nature with creativity. From Roman villas to European palaces and modern Australian homes, topiary has evolved from prestige to practicality, yet never lost its charm.

At Fox Mowing, we don’t just maintain topiaries—we celebrate their heritage. Understanding where topiary came from helps us appreciate its value today, especially in gardens that mix formality with personal flair.

Where It All Began: Topiary in Ancient Rome

Topiary finds its earliest roots in ancient Roman gardens around the 1st century BC. A friend of Emperor Augustus, a Roman civil servant named Cneus Matius, is often credited as the inventor of topiary as an artform.

Using shears and patience, Roman gardeners shaped shrubs into geometric forms, spirals, and even animal shapes, reflecting the empire’s taste for luxury and order.

These early topiaries decorated courtyards and estates—symbols of refinement, wealth, and control over nature.

The Renaissance Revival

After the fall of the Roman Empire, topiary faded but didn’t vanish. It saw a grand revival during the Italian Renaissance (15th–16th centuries), where formal gardens were designed to reflect symmetry, balance, and classical ideals.

From Italy, the trend spread to:

• France, where topiary became central in the magnificent gardens of Versailles, with cone-shaped hedges, knot gardens, and parterres.
• The Netherlands and England, where boxwood hedges were clipped into peacocks, pyramids, and initials.

Topiary was seen not just as gardening, but as living sculpture.

Topiary Comes to Australia

With British colonisation, topiary arrived in Australia during the 19th century, especially in the formal gardens of stately homes and public estates. English settlers brought the tradition of clipped hedges and ornamental pruning, using species such as:

• Box (Buxus sempervirens)
• Lilly Pilly (Syzygium)
• Privet and Viburnum

These plants proved ideal for shaping and withstood Australia’s diverse climates.

Today, topiary in Australia blends European tradition with modern flair, featuring native species, coastal styles, and drought-tolerant varieties for contemporary homes and gardens.

Topiary in Modern Garden Design

In today’s landscapes, topiary is used to:

• Frame paths and entryways
• Add architectural interest to minimalist designs
• Create whimsical, artistic focal points
• Bring formal elegance to outdoor entertaining spaces
• Provide structure in small or urban gardens

From neatly clipped hedging balls in pots to elaborate spirals and cones, topiary offers a timeless design element that fits traditional and modern gardens alike.

Did You Know?

• The word “topiary” comes from the Latin topiarius, meaning “landscape gardener.”
• In 18th-century England, topiary briefly fell out of fashion during the naturalistic garden movement—but bounced back with Victorian flair.
• Some of the world’s oldest topiaries are over 300 years old, maintained by generations of gardeners.

Fox Mowing: Keeping the Art of Topiary Alive

While topiary has a rich history, it also demands precision, consistency, and patience. At Fox Mowing, we proudly carry on this ancient art form by offering:

• Regular trimming and maintenance
• Expert shaping for both classic and creative designs
• Advice on choosing the right plants for topiary
• Clean, professional service with every visit

Whether you have a single box ball or a full hedge in need of structure, we’re here to help your topiary thrive—beautifully shaped, season after season.