Hedges are a great addition to any garden, providing privacy, wind protection, noise reduction, and attractive natural borders. However, without the right care, hedges can quickly overgrow and become a hassle.
In this guide we’re covering everything you need to know about hedge trimming, from key hedge trimming laws in the UK to the best times to get your trimmer out.
How often do hedges need to be trimmed?
How often you trim your hedges depends on the type of hedge you have.
Formal evergreen hedges
Formal evergreen hedges, such as box, yew, and privet, are dense and grow at a slow-to-medium rate. They keep their leaves all year round, so they require a trim two to three times a year.
Informal hedges
Informal hedges are less rigid and offer soft, wildlife-friendly boundaries. Popular species of informal hedges include hawthorn, hazel, and beech. As they’re meant to be more natural-looking, they only require trimming once a year to maintain structure.
Fast-growing hedge species
When it comes to rapid growers like leylandii, griselina, and laurel, you’ll need to give them a light trim more frequently, depending on growing seasons, to prevent them from growing too tall or too wide.
Remember — the point of trimming isn’t just a case of keeping up hedge appearances. Effective hedge trimming can keep your foliage healthy, encourage luscious growth, and prevent it from blocking light, paths, and driveways
When is the best time to trim hedges in the UK?
Late spring to late summer is the ideal time to trim most hedge species. The first growth phase will have passed by late spring, allowing you to safely shape the hedge by encouraging healthy regrowth without the risk of damage.
Avoid trimming your hedges in hot and dry weather to prevent browning, or in freezing cold weather, which can be detrimental to new growth.
Best times to trim different hedge species
If you have any of the hedge types below, you may find these specific trimming windows beneficial:
- Formal evergreen hedges: Once in late spring, once in midsummer, and a final light tidy in early autumn to prepare them for the winter.
- Informal hedges: Late summer to early autumn. This timeframe will allow you to tidy the shape of your hedge without encouraging new growth (which could then be damaged by frost in the colder winter months).
- Fast-growing hedges: Cut once in late spring, and then in regular intervals until early autumn. Avoid trimming late in the year, as fresh growth can lead to dieback and frost damage in the winter.
When is it illegal to cut hedges in the UK?
There are certain times of year when hedge cutting is restricted to protect nesting birds.
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981, it’s illegal to cut or remove a hedge if it contains an active bird’s nest during the main nesting season (1st March to 31st August).
This doesn’t mean hedge trimming is completely off-limits during this period, in some cases, such as for safety or access, it may still be necessary. However, it’s essential to check carefully for nesting birds first.
For the wellbeing of wildlife, we always recommend carrying out a nest check before trimming, whatever the time of year.
If you do find nesting birds, work should be delayed until they’ve safely fledged.
For more expert guidance, please get in touch with the Crown Tree Services team.
What tools are needed for trimming hedges?
If you want to take matters into your own hands instead of investing in a professional garden hedge trimming service, these are the tools you’ll need in your kit:
- Hand shears: Best for precise hedge trimming on smaller, ornamental hedges.
- Hedge trimmers: Available in electric, cordless, or petrol varieties. Great for tackling wide hedges quickly and efficiently.
- Loppers: Ideal for cutting thicker, tougher stems.
- Secateurs: Convenient for removing smaller hedge branches and detailed shaping.
- Hedge trimming PPE: Not to be skipped under any circumstances! Your hedges may look great, but they can be sharp. Wear sturdy gloves, safety goggles, and protective footwear.
Why hire professionals for hedge trimming services instead?
To save yourself the effort, we have a team of tree surgeons in Essex ready to level up your hedge care. We are reliable, friendly, and take great pride in our tree services.
Whether you need a spot of precision shaping, a tree reduction in Essex, or landscape maintenance help, we can deliver. All our work is conducted in line with BS 3998:2010 standards for your peace of mind.
Get a free quote for hedge trimming and removal today
To learn more about our hedge trimming service prices and hedge removal costs, get in touch!
Call 07803 257 771, email info@crowntreeservices.co.uk, or fill in our online contact form.
