My kids will be heading to school next week which means summer is over. Now it's time to think about your cedar hedges. It might be nice to give them some shape so they look great for the next twelve months.

Do this work on a cooler day and use sharp shears. Of course, if you need help, all you have to do is call or text.

Below are pictures from a recently completed project. The elderly couple was extremely happy to have their hedges done now so they can enjoy them on their back patio; and when they drive home.

The actual shearing only took a few hours, including raking and clean-up blow.

And while you're at it, why not prune your shrubs and touch up your planted beds. 

Landscapers do their very best to make sure their clients' lawns look great. They cut at the proper height with nice laser lines and everything gets nicely edged. Then they step back to admire their work and hope their clients feel the same way. And chances are, they do.

But I found out what really makes the men of the house really happy. Sure the lawns look great but driveway crack weeds are a constant source of irritation because they are hard to get at and they come back.

So in comes landscape pro Vas with his line edger turned on the side and on low power. This destroys all crack weeds; just make sure you wear eye protection and close your mouth because often there are stray pebbles that get propelled out of the cracks.
 Do this on lower power so you don't blow out your own windows or damage parked cars nearby.

I expect to do this periodically throughout the season but it's better than pouring down nasty chemicals that wash off into our fish habitat.

​If your driveway has nasty crack weeds, line trim them out or give me a call.

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Our power shears work really hard from mid-season pruning to fall, when cedar pruning begins. The days are busy and it's very tempting to pack up and go home; or just return your power shears to your garage. But I suggest taking the time to lubricate your blades after every use. 
Lubrication is especially important on rainy days. Take your professional lubricant and spray your blades liberally. WD40 might be OK if nothing else is available but it doesn't last as long.
The blades will be cleaned and they will run better next time you use them. I recommend the Stihl lubricant because it also does some cleaning at the same time. So get a bottle from your nearest dealer and keep it handy.

​Happy shearing!!