Yes. And once the hedge is cut back you can answer the more useful question: do you actually need both?
Hedge work first, always. You cannot set a fence 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.
On an established garden being improved over several seasons, the boundary is usually the right place to start — it is the least changeable element, it affects light and space across the whole plot, and it is far easier to work on before anything new is built or laid. Hedge work in late summer, fencing in autumn, then turf or planting the following spring is a sequence that suits both the budget and the plants.
This is general guidance rather than legal advice; boundary responsibility comes from your title deeds.
See what our hedge maintenance service covers in Kingswood, 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.
Usually the boundary. It is the least changeable element, affects light across the plot, and is far easier to work on before anything new is built.
Late summer for hedge reductions, autumn or winter for removal, with fencing following once roots are dealt with — and before any turfing.
Need tree surgery, hedge maintenance, fencing, garden clearance, turfing or power washing? Complete the form and tell us what work you require.
