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By eye, I've never seen anyone ever do it with string line.
I've used a string line and line marking spray to do large hedge reductions before, but not necessary for regular hedge trimming, by eye should be plenty good enough.
Life's too short!!! To be fair, I'd challenge anyone to find fault with a hedge cut by an experienced hedgecutter. It isnt rocket science but it ain't half satisfying when you've just done a nice neat trim.
As others have said, sometimes for a reduction I'll set up some sort of markers, particularly if the ground is sloping.
Do it by eye. Couple techniques I use are as i descend ladder when my eye level is almost at hedge top level i look along the run and can see the level and any high or low points that may need more work. Also walk away from hedge and look from a distance. A good hedge cutter can see the levels. Sometimes you can see points of reference in the foreground or beyond the hedge. Same for front face. Get in close and look down the line you've cut. You can see where it needs more work. Top I do in one pass. Front I generally do one quick pass with a repeat pass to sort out and fine tune for plumb and straighteners.
I line up by eye using window or brick lines of nearby buildings as a guide. I used string a couple of times but it’s a fiddle as it usually gets cut, but can be useful when agreeing cutting height with the customer.
Hi neal,
I worked for a company who used a laser level all the time for the tops. It might seem over the top (sorry),but some of the gardens demanded that level of skill for the design to work It means you also go alot faster, as theres no thinking involved. I nearly always use a line at the bottom of a long strainght hedge. You cant really go wrong then , the odd brain fart aside..
Best
Paul
by eye but if its a redyction on sloping ground you can use a cane/stick with a bit of tape round it for a marker i did use a line once on a side reduction of 18 in but set the line about a foot above the hedge out of the way
Tried string once.
It was the first thing that got cut.........