When Should Hedges Be Cut in the UK?

Hedge Cutting Calendar by Species

Beech (Fagus sylvatica)

The classic Chiltern hedge. Cut once a year in late August or early September. This keeps the brown leaves on through winter for privacy. A harder renovation prune can be done in February when the hedge is dormant. Beech responds well to hard pruning and will regrow from old wood.

Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)

Similar to beech in habit and pruning. Cut once in late August. Hornbeam holds its brown leaves through winter less reliably than beech, but the pruning is the same.

Yew (Taxus baccata)

The king of formal hedges. Cut once or twice a year. A light trim in late June keeps the shape, and a harder cut in late August gives a clean finish for winter. Yew regenerates from old wood so overgrown hedges can be cut back hard in February.

Leylandii (x Hesperotropsis leylandii)

Fast growing conifer that needs cutting once or twice a year. Trim in late May or June and again in September. Never cut into old brown wood because leylandii does not regrow from bare stems. Keep the top narrower than the base to let light reach the bottom.

Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium)

Fast growing. Cut 2 to 3 times through the growing season from May to September. Privet regrows quickly and tolerates hard pruning.

Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)

Cut once in late summer after the new growth has finished. Laurels can be cut with secateurs rather than hedge trimmer to avoid cutting leaves in half, which looks unsightly. A harder renovation prune is fine in February.

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)

Native hedge. Cut once a year in late winter (February). Hawthorn flowers on old wood so if you want the spring blossom, prune after flowering in June. Avoid cutting during nesting season unless you have checked for nests.

Box (Buxus sempervirens)

Formal low hedges. Cut once or twice a year, traditionally on Derby Day in late May and again in September. With box blight now widespread, many people are replacing box with box alternatives like Japanese holly.

Escallonia and Pittosporum

Mild climate hedges. Light trim after flowering, in late summer. Avoid cutting in cold weather as frost can damage cut stems.

The Legal Position on Hedge Cutting

Nesting birds

All wild birds, their nests and their eggs are protected by law in the UK. It is an offence to:

• Intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird
• Take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built
• Take or destroy the egg of any wild bird

The maximum penalty is 5,000 pounds and up to 6 months in prison. The main nesting season is 1 March to 31 August, but birds can nest outside this window, especially in mild years. Some species like collared doves and pigeons nest all year round.

If you absolutely must cut a hedge during nesting season, check thoroughly first. Watch the hedge for 30 minutes from a distance. If birds are flying in and out, there is an active nest and you should wait. See the RSPB guidance on hedge cutting.

High hedges

Under the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, local councils can deal with complaints about evergreen hedges over 2 metres tall that are affecting reasonable enjoyment of a property. If you have a neighbour whose leylandii is blocking your light, you can complain to the council. They can order the hedge to be reduced.

This law applies only to evergreen or semi-evergreen hedges, not to deciduous ones like beech.

How to Cut a Hedge Properly

Tools

For small hedges, hand shears are still the best tool. They give a cleaner cut and let you see what you are doing. For larger hedges, a powered hedge trimmer is essential. Petrol trimmers are more powerful and cable-free. Electric trimmers are quieter and lighter but need a power source. Battery trimmers are improving rapidly and are now a viable option for most gardens.

Shape

The golden rule of hedge cutting is to keep the top narrower than the bottom. This is called the A-frame or batter. It lets light reach the lower branches, which keeps the hedge green all the way down. A hedge that is wider at the top than the bottom will go bare at the base within a few years.

Cut depth

For formal hedges, cut back to the same point each time. This creates a dense surface of leaves and twigs. For informal hedges, cut back by about a third of the new growth. This keeps the hedge natural while still tidy.

Cleanup

Remove all cuttings from the top of the hedge. Leaves left on top can rot and cause dieback. Rake up cuttings from the ground. If you have a lawn under the hedge, lay a tarpaulin down before cutting to make cleanup easier.

Aftercare

Feeding

Hedges are hungry plants. A spring feed with a balanced fertiliser such as growmore or blood, fish and bone will keep growth strong. Apply about 50g per square metre and water in if the soil is dry.

Mulching

A 5cm mulch of compost or bark around the base of the hedge suppresses weeds and retains moisture. Keep the mulch away from the stems to prevent rotting.

Watering

Newly planted hedges need watering through the first two growing seasons. Once established, most hedges are drought tolerant. Yew, beech and hornbeam all develop deep roots and can cope with dry periods.

Renovation of Overgrown Hedges

Overgrown hedges can usually be renovated. The technique depends on the species:

• Yew, beech, hornbeam, hawthorn: can be cut back hard to within 30cm of the ground in February. They will regrow over 2 to 3 years.
• Privet, laurel: can be cut back hard in late winter.
• Leylandii: cannot be cut back into old brown wood. The only option is to remove and replant.
• Box: can be cut back hard in February but is susceptible to blight on the new growth.

When renovating, cut one side one year and the other side the next year. This is less of a shock to the hedge and means you still have some screening while it regrows.

Common Mistakes

Cutting leylandii into old wood

This is the most common mistake we see. Leylandii does not regrow from brown wood. Once you have cut into the brown, that part of the hedge is bare forever. The only solution is to replant.

Cutting in freezing weather

Conifers and evergreens should not be cut in freezing weather. The cut ends can be damaged by frost and turn brown. Wait for a mild spell.

Letting hedges get too tall

It is much easier to keep a hedge at the right height than to reduce an overgrown one. Once a hedge reaches the height you want, cut the new growth back to that height each year.

Not checking for nesting birds

This is both a legal and an ethical issue. Always check before cutting in spring and summer.

Final Thoughts

Hedge cutting is one of those garden jobs that rewards getting the timing right. A well-maintained hedge cut at the right time will look good for 50 years or more. A poorly maintained hedge can become a liability within a decade.

If you have a hedge that needs cutting, especially a tall one or one that needs renovation, give us a call. We have the right equipment and the right training to do the job safely and properly.

Our hedge cutting service

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cut my neighbour's hedge if it overhangs my garden?

You can cut back any branches that overhang your property to the boundary line. You should offer the cuttings back to your neighbour. You cannot enter their property to cut the hedge without permission.

How tall can a hedge be?

There is no general limit. But if an evergreen hedge is over 2 metres and is affecting reasonable enjoyment of your property, you can complain to the council under the High Hedges legislation.

Why is my leylandii going brown inside?

Leylandii naturally sheds older leaves from inside the hedge as new growth shades them. Some browning is normal. If the browning is extensive, it may be due to drought, aphids or being cut back too hard into old wood.

How much does hedge cutting cost?

For a typical 20 metre hedge, expect to pay 150 to 350 per cut. Taller hedges needing ladders or platforms cost more. See our estimate tools for a quick guide.

Sources and citations

This article draws on the following sources. Specific claims are cited inline where relevant.

1. CGM field records (2024-06. Site observations from gardens across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Bedfordshire.
2. Royal Horticultural Society (2024). RHS Gardening Advice and Plant Finder. Available at rhs.org.uk.
3. Met Office (2024). Regional climate averages, South East England. Available at metoffice.gov.uk.
4. British Geological Survey (2024). Soil parent material data for the Chilterns and Thames Valley. Available at bgs.ac.uk.