Once or twice a year for most. The complication with a boundary hedge is never the timing — it is the far side.
Most boundary hedges need cutting once or twice a year, depending on species and how formal you want it.
The practical question is access to the neighbour's face, which needs arranging rather than assuming — and is usually easier than people expect.
| Hedge | Cuts per year | Best timing |
|---|---|---|
| Leylandii and fast conifers | Two to three | Late spring and late summer |
| Privet | Two to three | Through the growing season |
| Beech and hornbeam | One | Late summer |
| Yew | One, two if formal | Late summer |
| Laurel | One to two | Late spring and late summer |
| Box | Two | Late spring and late summer |
| Hawthorn and blackthorn | One | Winter |
| Native mixed | One | Winter |
Tell us what you need and we will arrange a free quotation.
Wild birds, their nests and eggs are protected by law, and the main breeding season runs from around March to August. It is an offence to damage or destroy a nest in use. Substantial hedge cutting is therefore generally done from late summer onwards, and any hedge is checked before work at any time of year. A dense boundary hedge is exactly the kind of cover that holds several active nests in May with no sign of it from outside.
See what our hedge maintenance service covers in Kingswood, or read more about the service across the areas we work in.
Once or twice a year for most. Fast conifers and privet may need two or three; beech, yew and native hedges are usually fine annually.
Not without permission to enter their garden. You may cut growth crossing onto your side back to the boundary, and the cuttings remain theirs.
Where the hedge serves both gardens it usually makes sense. One crew cutting both faces on the same day gives a far better result and is normally cheaper each.
Late summer suits most, winter suits deciduous and native hedges. Nesting birds are protected from around March to August and any hedge should be checked first.
Almost always because it has become wider at the top, shading out the base. Cutting with a taper keeps it dense all the way down.
Cut to the same line each year rather than outside the new growth, and keep a slight taper.
One skipped year turns a trim into a heavier cut. Three skipped years turns it into a restoration, which is a different scale of work.
Yes, before work at any time of year. A dense hedge can hold several active nests in May with no sign from outside.
Need tree surgery, hedge maintenance, fencing, garden clearance, turfing or power washing? Complete the form and tell us what work you require.
