Hedge Laying Tools

Bill Hook

• A bill hook is your predominate tool when hedge laying. A bill hook has a sharp curved blade that makes snedding (the process of removing branches from felled trees) quick and easy. The bill hook is used much like a machete that hacks away all unwanted shoots and branches. For larger hedging projects, a chainsaw may be used.

Axe

• An axe is used for pleaching (cutting the backside of stems so they may bend in the direction of your hedge). For small pleaching projects, you may use a bill hook or a chainsaw for pleaching larger plants.

Positioning Poles

• Positioning poles (large steaks or rebar) are reinforcement for the hedge. These poles are placed about every 3 feet throughout the hedge, holding it together long enough for the hedge to fuse.

Sledgehammer

• A sledgehammer will drive the positioning poles deep into the ground securing them and stabilizing the hedge.