Hedge Trimming: When and How to Trim Your Hedges

When to trim

Most formal hedges need one or two trims a year. The main cut is usually in late summer or early autumn, once birds have finished nesting, with an optional lighter trim in late spring for fast growers like privet.

Nesting season generally runs from March to August. It is an offence to disturb an active nest, so always check carefully before cutting, especially in dense hedges.

Get the shape right

Aim for a hedge that is slightly wider at the base than at the top. This lets light reach the lower branches, which keeps the hedge thick all the way to the ground instead of going bare at the bottom.

• Use a taut string line for long, level tops
• Cut upwards from the base on the sides
• Step back often to check the line by eye

Different hedges, different needs

Yew and box respond well to precise clipping and can be shaped into topiary. Beech and hornbeam keep their brown leaves through winter if trimmed in late summer. Conifers such as leylandii should never be cut back into old brown wood, as most will not regrow from it.

Little and often beats a once-a-decade hard cut. A neat hedge is mostly a matter of regular attention.

When to bring in help

Tall hedges need ladders or platforms, and heavy reductions take time to clear. We trim, shape and clear away every clipping, and we always check for nesting birds first.