Yes. And once it is cut back you can answer the more useful question: do you need both a hedge and a fence?
Cut back first, always. You cannot set a line you cannot see, working through growth is far slower, and cutting back regularly reveals things that change the job — including an existing fence in poor condition.
Then decide whether the hedge stays, because that changes what you should build.
| Option | Ground recovered | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Keep the hedge, no fence | None | Still needs cutting; no hard boundary |
| Keep it, fence alongside | Little | One hedge face becomes hard to reach |
| Remove it, fence the line | The most | Loses height, wildlife value, softness |
| Remove it, fence with planting in front | Most, then some | Often the best compromise |
Tell us what you need and we will arrange a free quotation.
This is general guidance rather than legal advice; boundary responsibility comes from your title deeds.
See what our garden fencing service covers in Brislington, or read more about the service across the areas we work in.
Yes, always. You cannot set a line you cannot see, working through growth is far slower, and cutting back reveals things that change the job.
The actual boundary line, any existing fence and its condition, tree roots affecting post positions, level differences, and how much ground the hedge occupies.
Removing it recovers the most ground and eliminates the maintenance, but loses height, wildlife value and softness. A fence with planting in front is a middle path.
Yes, but the hedge face behind the fence becomes hard to cut, grows against the timber and shortens the fence's life. Leave a workable gap if you can.
Far better to find out with an open boundary and time to talk than after posts are concreted in. Check the title plan and agree it first.
Frequently, and usually in poor condition — a hedge keeps timber permanently damp.
Autumn or winter suits hedge removal, and nesting birds are protected from around March to August so the hedge must be checked first.
Yes. One set-up, and hedge waste, old fence and post spoil all leave together rather than in separate loads.
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