How is responsibility for the housing company’s green areas divided?

The maintenance responsibilities for green areas are divided as follows: the Green Services team takes care of the general and shared areas of YH Kotien housing companies, keeping them clean and well-maintained. Residents, in turn, are responsible for trimming the fences on their private yards and maintaining their lawns and plantings.

Is it necessary to prune shrubs?

Shrubs don’t always need to be pruned—it depends on their condition and intended use. A shaped hedge requires regular trimming, while a naturally growing hedge is meant to grow freely.

Hedge plants are typically species that tolerate and benefit from regular pruning. A free-growing hedge doesn’t need to be cut until it starts to look scraggly—at that point, cutting it back helps it regenerate into a lush and healthy form.

How can I grow a beautiful, dense hedge?

The durability and appearance of a hedge depend on proper pruning techniques and timing. Regular care prevents problems and ensures a beautiful, long-lasting hedge. In spring and early summer, it’s best to let the shrub grow undisturbed. The ideal time for pruning is July to August, when the year’s growth hasn’t yet hardened, making trimming easier. However, always familiarize yourself with the plant species in your yard and their specific care needs.

Pruning encourages branching, and to achieve a dense, strong hedge, it’s important to start early. The most common mistake is skipping pruning altogether or starting too late. If a hedge is allowed to grow tall before its first cut, the result may be sparse and bare. Early and regular pruning ensures even branching and a sturdy structure, helping the plant withstand heavy snow in winter.

Coniferous shrubs follow different rules. They cannot be rejuvenated by cutting them back hard, and they usually only grow new shoots from the previous year’s growth—so pruning must be done more carefully.

What tools should be used for pruning shrubs?

A hedge trimmer is excellent for shaping and tidying shrubs. If there’s only a small amount to cut, hedge shears with long blades are sufficient and also suitable for shaping. For cutting individual branches, use pruning shears or loppers for thicker stems.

What if I accidentally prune shrubs incorrectly?

If you make a mistake, there’s usually no need to worry—deciduous shrubs are forgiving and can often recover on their own. Don’t be afraid to experiment and observe how the plant responds. The most common maintenance mistake is not pruning at all, which can lead to overgrown, wide hedges that become difficult to manage later.

When should you contact a professional?

It’s a good idea to contact a professional if you’re unsure what to do. You can reach out through YH Kotien customer service for advice. Hiring a professional is also recommended if the work is too extensive to handle alone or if physical limitations make pruning difficult.

What can or should residents do for their yard?

Residents are responsible for regular yard maintenance, such as mowing the lawn and trimming boundary hedges. Beyond that, it’s good to remember that the yard is there for the resident’s enjoyment—take advantage of the many ways to make it a pleasant space.

Things to keep in mind after yard work

It’s important to dispose of garden waste properly and in an environmentally friendly way. Take garden waste to waste centers that accept it. This ensures proper recycling and helps keep the environment clean and pleasant.

In Pirkanmaa, garden waste (up to 2 cubic meters) can be taken free of charge to the Tarastenjärvi and Koukkujärvi waste centers.
Read the Pirkanmaa Waste Management guidelines for handling garden waste.

In Turku, waste centers can be found via [this link].