How Often Should Hedges And Trees Be Cut
Keeping hedges and trees neat is mostly about cutting them at the right time and often enough. Cut too little and they get woody and untidy, cut at the wrong time and you can harm growth or disturb nesting birds.
How Often To Trim Hedges
Formal hedges like box and privet need two to three trims a year to stay crisp, while informal mixed hedges may only need one annual cut. Conifers and leylandii grow fast and usually need a trim once or twice a year to keep them in check. We advise the right frequency for your specific hedge.
When To Prune Trees
Most deciduous trees are best pruned in late winter when they are dormant and leafless, which makes the structure easy to see. Some species, like cherry and plum, are pruned in summer to avoid disease. We time tree work to the species and the job.
Bird Nesting Season Rules
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, it is an offence to damage or destroy active wild bird nests. We always check hedges and trees for nesting activity between March and August and delay cutting where we find active nests.
Quick Answers
How often should I cut my hedge
Formal hedges need two to three cuts a year, while informal hedges may need just one. Fast-growing conifers usually need one or two trims a year.
When should trees be pruned
Most deciduous trees are pruned in late winter when dormant. Some species are pruned in summer to avoid disease, and we time work to suit the tree.
Can hedges be cut during nesting season
We check for active nests before cutting between March and August and delay work if birds are nesting, as required by law.
Get A Free Quote
Talk to our friendly local team about your hedge cutting project today.