In order for the base of the hedge to receive sufficient light, it must be wider than the top of the hedge. This takes a conscious effort on the part of the shearer as most people naturally swing their arms in while shearing, leaving the hedge base narrower than the top. Shearing Evergreens Evergreen shearing requires a slightly different approach from deciduous plants. While the overall shape of the hedge is identical, wider at the bottom than at the top, the timing and placement of the cuts changes. Arborvitaes produce scale-like foliage.
Yews have flat, single needles.
These plants can be sheared throughout the growing season as long as the shearing does not extend deeper than the foliage. Shearing should also be completed by the middle of August as shearing later during the growing season may result in new growth that does not harden-off in time for winter. They set their buds only at the tip of the branch. Since lateral buds are nonexistent, pines must be headed back at a very specific time. This is the only time shearing can be performed on pines.