The Right Hedge

Hedging and Topiary: 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

Shape Your Garden’s Future with Smart Hedge Design

A well-planned hedge isn’t just a border — it’s a statement. Whether you’re after privacy, wind protection, or a beautifully sculpted feature, Fox Mowing & Gardening WA offers expert hedge planning services tailored to suit your garden’s layout, your lifestyle, and Western Australia’s unique climate.

From selecting the right species to determining spacing and growth patterns, we take the guesswork out of building a hedge that thrives for years to come.

Why Plan a Hedge?

Many people rush into planting hedges without thinking long-term — only to end up with overcrowded, unhealthy, or patchy growth. Hedge planning ensures:

• Proper spacing for healthy root development
• The right plant choice for your soil, sunlight and space
• Balanced structure and symmetry as the hedge matures
• Easier future maintenance and shaping
• Desired height, width, and function (privacy, noise reduction, windbreak, etc.)

Whether it’s a decorative feature or a full perimeter screen, we help you plant with purpose.

What’s Included in Our Hedge Planning Service?

Our experienced team provides tailored guidance and on-site consultation for:

• Plant selection based on your goals (native, flowering, fast-growing, formal, low-maintenance)
• Soil type assessment and site analysis
• Sun exposure and watering needs
• Spacing and layout for long-term growth
• Recommendations for irrigation, mulching, and fertilisation
• Growth management strategies (when to prune, shape, or trim)

We also offer hedge planting, trimming, and maintenance services — so we can bring your plan to life and keep it thriving.

Popular Hedge Plants in Western Australia

Depending on your needs and location, we may recommend:

• Lilly Pilly – great for privacy, fast-growing, and native
• Murraya (Orange Jessamine) – fragrant and ideal for formal hedging
• Viburnum – dense and fast-growing for screening
• Photinia – striking red new growth, easy to shape
• Westringia – hardy, low-maintenance, and coastal-tolerant
• Buxus (Box Hedge) – ideal for low borders and classic structure

Our team will suggest species suited to your climate zone — whether you’re in coastal Perth, cooler South West WA, or drier inland regions.

Why Choose Fox Mowing WA?

• Local, fully insured professionals who understand WA gardens
• Regional knowledge of plant behaviour, pests, and soils
• Practical, long-term hedge planning tailored to your goals
• Option to bundle with planting, mulching, or irrigation set-up
• Ongoing maintenance plans available

We treat every garden like it’s our own — and plan hedges that grow beautifully and last for years.

Book a Hedge Planning Consultation Today

Let’s build a hedge that grows strong, looks stunning, and meets your garden’s needs. Whether it’s a boundary screen, formal shape, or flowering feature — we’ll help you get it right from the start.

Call your local Fox Mowing WA team or book online for a no-obligation hedge planning quote. We’ll help you grow with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I plant a hedge at any time of the year in WA?
Autumn and early spring are ideal, but many hedge varieties can be planted year-round with the right care and watering plan.

How far apart should I plant hedge plants?
It depends on the species and your goals. We’ll provide spacing recommendations based on mature size and desired density.

Can you help me maintain the hedge once it’s planted?
Absolutely! We offer regular hedge trimming, fertilising, and pest management services across WA.

I want a low hedge that flowers — what do you recommend?
There are several great options! Depending on your location, we may suggest dwarf varieties of Westringia, Lavender, or compact Murraya.

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

A Guide to Hedge Trimming Frequencies for Western Australia

Hedges are a beautiful and practical addition to any garden — offering privacy, structure, and greenery all year round. But to keep them looking their best, they need regular care. One of the most common questions we get at Fox Mowing & Gardening WA is:

“How often should I trim my hedge?”

The answer depends on the plant species, the style of hedge, and how fast it grows — especially in Western Australia’s varied climate. Let’s break it down.

Why Hedge Trimming Frequency Matters

Trimming at the right time and frequency ensures:

• A tidy, uniform appearance
• Healthy, compact growth
• Prevention of woodiness or gaps
• Easier long-term maintenance
• Improved flowering (for some species)
• Greater resistance to pests and disease

Neglecting your hedge for too long can lead to overgrowth, uneven shape, and more intensive pruning down the track.

General Hedge Trimming Guide

Here’s a rough guide to how often you should trim common hedge types in WA:

Hedge Type	Trimming Frequency	Notes
Fast-growing hedges (e.g. Lilly Pilly, Photinia, Viburnum)	Every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to autumn)	These can quickly become unruly without regular shaping
Formal hedges (e.g. Buxus, Murraya)	Every 6–8 weeks for sharp lines	Requires precision trimming to keep a crisp shape
Flowering hedges (e.g. Lavender, Callistemon)	2–3 times per year	Best trimmed after flowering to promote new blooms
Native hedges (e.g. Westringia, Grevillea)	2–4 times a year depending on growth	Light, regular trimming encourages density
Slow-growing hedges (e.g. Japanese Box)	1–2 times a year	Ideal for low borders with minimal upkeep
Newly planted hedges	Light trimming every 6–8 weeks	Encourages branching and bushy growth early on

Best Times to Trim Hedges in WA

• Autumn: Great for reshaping before winter dormancy
• Early Spring: Encourages fresh growth after winter
• Late Spring to Early Summer: Key time for fast-growing species
• Avoid mid-summer: If plants are not properly watered, cutting can cause stress, especially during periods of intense heat.

Professional Hedge Maintenance Makes All the Difference

At Fox Mowing & Gardening WA, we take the hassle out of hedge care with regular, reliable trimming services. Our experienced team:

• Understands the appropriate frequency and technique for every species.
• Uses professional tools for neat, even finishes
• Removes all green waste and cleans up thoroughly
• Can reshape overgrown or uneven hedges
• Offers tailored maintenance plans for your garden

Whether you’re after a perfectly manicured formal hedge or a lush privacy screen, we’ll keep it looking its best — without you needing to lift a finger.

Need Help with Hedge Trimming?

Don’t wait until your hedge is out of control. Let the Fox Mowing WA team take care of it on a schedule that suits your garden’s needs and your lifestyle.

Call us today or book online for a once-off trim or set up a regular hedge maintenance plan anywhere in Western Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I don’t trim my hedge regularly?
It may become woody, sparse at the base, harder to shape, and may require heavy cutting to restore its form.

Can I trim flowering hedges while they’re blooming?
Waiting till after flowering is the best option. Trimming too early may reduce the next season’s blooms.

Will you remind me when it’s time for the next trim?
Yes! We offer scheduled maintenance plans and reminders so your hedges stay healthy and beautiful all year round.

The History of Topiary

Where Art Meets Gardening — A Timeless Tradition in Greenery

Topiary — the art of shaping living plants into elegant forms — is one of the most fascinating and enduring practices in gardening. From Roman villas to grand English estates, topiary has left a lasting impression across centuries, continents, and cultures.

At Fox Mowing & Gardening WA, we appreciate that a well-trimmed hedge or sculpted shrub isn’t just tidy — it’s part of a rich gardening legacy. Let’s take a look back at where it all began, and how topiary is making a sleek, modern comeback in Western Australian gardens today.

What Is Topiary?

Topiary refers to the careful pruning and shaping of shrubs and small trees into defined shapes — whether geometric, whimsical, or highly intricate. Unlike simple hedge trimming, topiary requires patience, creativity, and a vision for what the plant can become over time.

Topiary Through the Ages

Ancient Rome
Topiary began in Ancient Rome as a symbol of wealth and human control over nature. Roman estates often featured clipped boxwood shaped into animals, arches, and figures.

Renaissance & Baroque Europe
The art saw a revival during the Renaissance and was elevated to new levels in the formal gardens of France and Italy. Think Versailles — all symmetry, order, and grandeur.

Victorian & Edwardian England
Topiary then became a staple in English manor gardens, with box hedges and yew shaped into cones, balls, and scrolls. Even small homes began adopting neat, structured hedging as a sign of care and style.

Topiary in Australia
Topiary came to Australia through colonial garden design and has since evolved. Today, we see it blending beautifully with both formal layouts and contemporary outdoor spaces.

Modern Topiary Design Ideas

Today’s topiary isn’t just about tradition — it’s about creativity, minimalism, and adding unique personality to your outdoor space. Here are some modern topiary ideas our WA clients love:

Spirals and Cones – Sleek and sculptural, perfect in pots or lining a pathway
Clustered Spheres – Three or more balls on a single stem (often using Lilly Pilly or Buxus) for an architectural look
Mirrored Shapes – Matching forms on either side of a driveway or entry for dramatic impact
Geometric Planters – Square or rectangular topiary placed in raised beds for a bold modern edge
Whimsical Designs – Animals, hearts, or creative abstract shapes for kids’ areas or playful gardens
Low Sculpted Borders – A minimalist approach using tightly clipped, low hedges to frame garden beds or seating zones
Native Topiary – Using plants like Westringia or Callistemon for a water-wise, Aussie-friendly version

At Fox Mowing WA, we combine classic methods with modern aesthetics to create eye-catching features that enhance any landscape — without excessive maintenance.

Why Clients in WA Love Topiary

• Year-round greenery and structure
• Low maintenance once established
• Works well in formal and minimalist gardens
• Great for containers and small spaces
• Adds timeless sophistication and symmetry

Interested in Topiary for Your WA Garden?

Topiary isn’t just for palaces and historic estates. With the right plants, tools, and guidance, you can bring a sense of structure and style to your own outdoor space. Whether you’re after a simple feature hedge or a sculpted centrepiece, Fox Mowing & Gardening WA can help bring your vision to life — and maintain it with expert trimming and care.

Call your local Fox team today or book online to explore how topiary could add timeless charm and modern flair to your garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What plants are best for topiary in WA?
Box (Buxus), Lilly Pilly, Westringia, Photinia, and some dwarf natives work well. We’ll help you choose based on your location and garden style.

Can I grow topiary in pots?
Yes! Many topiary designs work beautifully in containers — ideal for patios, balconies, and entrances.

How long does it take to shape a topiary?
It depends on the plant and shape, but you can usually start shaping within the first 12 months. Our team can help guide and maintain the shape over time.

Is topiary high maintenance?
Not necessarily. With the right plant and a regular trimming schedule (every 6–8 weeks during the growing season), topiary is quite manageable.