Professional Hedge Trimming Tips & Services

The frequency of trimming depends on the type of hedge. Fast-growing hedging plants, such as privet, typically require trimming two or three times a year to maintain a neat shape. Slower-growing species, such as beech, usually require trimming just twice a year.

Young hedges benefit from formative pruning in their early years. Formative pruning, carried out in winter or early spring, shapes the hedge and sets it up for future growth. Once established, maintenance trimming keeps the hedge looking tidy and encourages denser growth.

A good guide is to trim hedges lightly in early summer, followed by a more thorough cut back in late summer. Tall hedges or overgrown hedge rows may need more frequent trimming to prevent them from becoming too wide or untidy. Regular hedge cutting not only keeps your hedge looking sharp but also reduces the need for drastic pruning in the future.

The right tools make hedge trimming much easier and safer. A sharp pair of hand shears is excellent for trimming hedges and detailed shaping, while an electric hedge trimmer or cordless hedge trimmer works well for larger or taller hedges.

If you need to trim the top of the hedge or reach higher areas, ladders and long-reach hedge trimmers are invaluable. Always use a spirit level to ensure a straight cut when trimming the top of your hedge, especially for formal designs.

Shears remain helpful in tidying up edges and trimming back new growth, while a hedge trimmer saves time on long stretches of hedge. Remember to keep your tools sharp and well-maintained, as blunt blades can damage the hedge rather than give a clean cut.

Hedges are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including nesting birds, insects, and small mammals. It is essential to check your hedge carefully before trimming. If you discover an active nest, avoid cutting the hedge until the birds have finished breeding.

The Wildlife and Countryside Act makes it an offence to damage or destroy a wild bird’s nest intentionally. Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 is clear on this point, and ignoring it could cause harm to local wildlife and result in legal consequences.

To keep your garden wildlife-friendly, aim to trim hedges outside of the nesting season and compost the clippings instead of burning them. This creates a natural cycle that returns nutrients to your garden while protecting hedgerow habitats.

The way you trim your hedge can impact both its health and appearance. The best approach is to keep the hedge slightly narrower at the top than at the bottom. This shape allows light to reach the lower branches, keeping the hedge growing evenly from top to bottom.

When trimming the top of your hedge, use a straight edge or a string line to guide you. A hedge that leans outward at the top often shades the bottom of the hedge, causing lower branches to thin out. By keeping the side of the hedge sloping slightly inwards, you help maintain a dense, even growth.

For formal hedges, such as close-cut privet, straight lines are most effective. In contrast, informal hedges, like mixed shrub hedges, can be allowed a softer shape. Either way, the principle remains the same: ensure light reaches all parts of the hedge.

When trimming, always start trimming at the sides of the hedge before moving to the top. Cut your hedge evenly, working from the bottom up to avoid overcutting.

Trim the hedge back gradually, checking regularly to ensure you maintain an even line. Use a spirit level to ensure that the top of the hedge is straight. For tall hedges, start trimming from one end and work steadily across to the other.

Clear away garden waste as you go, as leaving cuttings on the hedge can damage new growth. Composting is an excellent way to recycle hedge clippings and replenish your garden.

An overgrown hedge can seem daunting, but with patience, it can be brought back into shape. Start trimming back gradually over two or three seasons, rather than cutting the hedge too hard in one go. Cutting back too severely risks stressing the hedge or leaving bare patches.

For hedges like beech or hornbeam, trimming back to the lower branches and encouraging new growth is often an effective approach. A privet hedge, on the other hand, can usually withstand more complicated pruning and recover quickly.

If your hedge has become extremely overgrown, you may need to trim the hedge more regularly in future. Regular grass cutting and hedge trimming services help prevent hedges from reaching this point, keeping your garden tidy.

Different hedge types respond differently to trimming. Evergreen hedges, such as yew, benefit from careful pruning and regular trimming to encourage dense, green growth. Deciduous hedges, like beech and hornbeam, should be trimmed at least twice a year for best results.

Privet hedges are popular boundary hedges because they can be trimmed often and recover quickly. Informal hedges, such as mixed native hedgerows, may only require light trimming once a year to maintain their manageable size without compromising their natural character.

Knowing the specific hedge you are working with enables you to plan the most effective trimming schedule. Always consider the size, type, and role of the hedge in your garden.

Trimming alone is not enough to keep your hedge looking its best. After hedge cutting, feed the soil around the base of the hedge to support healthy growth. Regular watering, especially during dry spells, also helps keep your hedge strong.

Mulching around the bottom of the hedge helps conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Removing garden waste and fallen leaves from the base of the hedge reduces the risk of pests and diseases.

By combining careful trimming with good garden care, you keep your hedge looking neat and thriving year after year.

Trimming small hedges can be a rewarding DIY project, but trimming tall hedges or boundary hedges often requires the expertise of professional gardeners. A high hedge can be difficult and even dangerous to cut without the right tools and experience.

At Cambridge Garden Care, we offer a professional hedge cutting service tailored to your specific garden needs. Whether you need to cut a hedge back hard, carry out routine hedge pruning, or manage an overgrown hedge, we can help.

Professional gardeners bring the expertise, equipment, and experience to keep your hedges looking sharp, healthy, and safe. Sometimes, choosing help is the best way to keep your garden looking its best.

• Trim hedges outside nesting season (March to August)
• Use shears or hedge trimmers, depending on hedge size
• Always check for active nests before trimming
• Keep hedges narrower at the top to encourage even growth
• Trim little and often for healthier hedges
• Use composting to recycle hedge clippings
• Consider professional help for tall or overgrown hedges
• Match trimming times to the type of hedge
• Support hedge health with good soil care
• Respect wildlife laws to avoid damage or destruction offences

Trimming hedges keeps your garden neat, healthy, and vibrant. At Cambridge Garden Care, we combine experience, care, and respect for wildlife with professional results. Whether you need to trim back a small shrub or cut a hedge that’s grown too high, our team is here to help you keep your hedges and trees looking their very best.

Q: When is the best time to trim a hedge?

A: The best time to trim a hedge is usually in late winter or early spring, before the new growth begins. For many hedges, it is also suitable to carry out maintenance trimming in late summer to keep the hedge looking neat and well-maintained. Avoid cutting between March and August when nesting birds may be present, as it is an offence to intentionally damage or destroy a wild bird’s nest under section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. At Cambridge Garden Care, we always time hedge cutting with both plant health and wildlife protection in mind.

Q: How often should I trim my hedge?

A: Most hedges benefit from being trimmed twice a year, though some formal hedges may need to be trimmed three times a year to stay sharp. Deciduous hedges, such as beech or hornbeam, usually respond well to a cut once or twice a year, while evergreen hedges, like privet hedges, often need more regular trimming. The size of the hedge, type of hedge, and your desired finish will affect frequency. Our team can keep your hedge looking perfect all year round with professional hedge trimming tailored to your specific garden needs.

Q: What tools are best for hedge cutting?

A: The right tool depends on the size and style of your hedge. Hand shears or long-handled shears are excellent for shaping smaller shrubs and informal hedges. For larger or taller hedges, using a hedge trimmer—whether an electric or cordless model—will save time and effort. At Cambridge Garden Care, we utilise the latest equipment to cut hedges efficiently, ensuring smooth and professional results.

Q: How do I trim the top of a high hedge safely?

A: Tall hedges can be tricky, especially if the top of the hedge is wide. It’s essential to use a stable platform, avoid overreaching, and ensure the hedge is narrower at the top than at the bottom to allow for optimal light penetration. For taller hedges, we recommend calling in professionals. Our experienced team uses safe equipment and proven techniques to trim the hedge neatly, ensuring no risk to you or damage to the plant.

Q: Can hedge trimming harm wildlife?

A: Yes, trimming at the wrong time can cause harm. Nesting season, typically between March and August, is when many birds build nests in hedges. It is an offence to damage or destroy a wild bird’s nest intentionally. Always check for an active nest before cutting the hedge. As part of our service, Cambridge Garden Care takes wildlife very seriously, working within the Wildlife and Countryside Act to protect both your hedges and the creatures that call them home.

Q: How do you deal with an overgrown hedge?

A: An overgrown hedge may require more drastic cutting back, sometimes in stages. Cutting the hedge back hard can encourage new growth, but it must be done carefully. We typically prune hedges in late winter or early spring for optimal recovery. Boundary hedges or a high hedge may also involve the local council if disputes arise, so it’s wise to act early. Our team has experience in hedge pruning and can bring even the most overgrown hedge back into shape.

Q: How do you dispose of garden waste after hedge cutting?

A: Cutting the hedge generates a lot of garden waste. Smaller clippings can be composted, while larger branches may need chipping or removal. At Cambridge Garden Care, we always clear garden waste as part of our service, leaving your garden tidy. We also recycle green waste responsibly, so your hedge trimming contributes to a healthier environment.

Q: Where can I buy hedging plants if I want to plant a new hedge?

A: Hedging plants are widely available at local garden centres and through reputable online suppliers. Popular choices include beech hedge, hornbeam, and privet hedge. When choosing, consider the type of hedge that will best suit your soil, light, and desired height. At Cambridge Garden Care, we are always happy to recommend and plant hedging plants for you, ensuring you start with a strong, healthy hedge.