Cut boxwood as a ball - this is how it's done

How to cut a boxwood into a ball - instructions and tips

preparation

However, don't make the mistake of rushing into the garden with secateurs in hand and pruning your book there. For the project to be crowned with success, some preparation is required. Otherwise, the plant could suffer difficult-to-repair damage or the result could be anything but attractive.

Selection of the variety

Not every type of boxwood is suitable for a spherical cut, which is especially true for the varieties grown for hedge planting. Instead, choose a bushy plant that naturally has a more rounded shape - this is easier to cut into the desired ball. Furthermore, the selection of the variety depends on how big the ball should be: For small balls, slow-growing varieties such as' Green Gem ',' Suffruticosa 'or' Blauer Heinz 'are very suitable, for large ones, on the other hand, comparatively strong-growing ones such as' Rotundifolia 'or' Handsworthiensis'.

Time of cut

In order to maintain the spherical shape, you should cut the boxwood at least twice per season. The first cut, the so-called shape cut, takes place between mid-May and mid-June. The second cut, also known as the maintenance cut, should be made by mid-August. Of course, you can cut the book more often if necessary, but you should leave at least four weeks between the individual appointments. Frequently cut box grows particularly densely.

Cut boxwood round - that's how it works

Under no circumstances should you cut deep into the wood right at the beginning, as this will create unsightly holes that will be difficult to close again. Instead, proceed in small steps, initially dividing the book into longitudes and latitudes like a globe. First cut the “equator” to the desired length, then the four to six “degrees of longitude” follow. Now you just have to trim the gaps to the same length, paying attention to the desired even rounding. This is easier if you cut from the bottom up - so the top area is the last to come in contact with the scissors.

Cutting with a template

Since freehand cutting is not easy for the inexperienced, you can also use a template. Wire baskets are available in stores, into which the book is practically squeezed. Then you just have to cut along the wires, but don't shorten too much: then you can see the metal. Furthermore, you can easily make your own stencils from cardboard or another suitable material, which you attach to the book and then trace the contours with the scissors.