Hedge Trimming: Promote Healthy Tree Growth and Improve Safety

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  Edited by Ali Lijee

  Edited by Ali Lijee

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Ali Lijee is the founder and CEO of TreeMend, with over a decade of experience in tree care and maintenance. He has a strong interest in helping tree surgeons and arborists leverage the power of the internet through content creation and digital marketing. His work has been referenced by MSN, Yahoo, AOL, and more. This article was checked on 03/01/2025 for accuracy. Learn more or report an error.

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Table of contents

• What is hedge trimming?
• Why are hedge trimming services needed?
• Types of hedge trimming services and optimal trimming seasons
• Common hedge trimming services techniques
• Hedge trimming regulations in the UK
• Professional hedge trimming services vs DIY: how to decide
• How to get hedge trimming services near you
• Hedge trimming services in the UK: frequently asked questions
• Get hedge trimming services today

What is hedge trimming?

Hedge trimming is a form of pruning, i.e. the removal of small quantities of young growth from a hedge in order to control its size, appearance, and to encourage its health. Hedges are commonly trimmed with battery-powered, petrol, or electric corded hedge trimmers, secateurs, loppers, or other hand tools, depending on the amount of trimming required.

A hedge is simply any formal or informal arrangement of trees or shrubs to create a barrier, often in a line and often along property boundary lines (but not always). Hedges may consist of conifers, deciduous, or evergreen tree species or shrubs, and the trimming method and optimal trimming season(s) differ for each of these as well as depending on the species.

Often, trees that make up a hedge are pleached (aka plashed) so that their shoots are horizontally aligned and the trees’ shoots form a clean, continuous, and narrow screen. This is not the same as espaliers, a form of pleaching that is commonly used for fruit trees to maximise sunlight exposure.

Both of these techniques may be used for creating hedgerows, and some garden shops in the UK sell pre-pleached trees to make hedge planting easier. Generally, hedges look and perform best when they’re of the same species. Mixed species have different characteristics, so maintaining a mixed hedge is more laborious.

Why are hedge trimming services needed?

Property owners may need hedge trimming services for many different reasons. Here are a few of the most common:

• Encourage healthy growth: since hedge trimming is a type of pruning, it’s a great way to encourage hedge vitality by removing dead/diseased/cracked branches and twigs and allowing for new growth to emerge.
• Improves safety: overgrown hedges can be a hazard to property owners and/or to passersby when the hedge is located parallel to the pavement or a walking path.
• Protect property: trimming an overgrown hedge can keep it from interfering with nearby buildings or overhead power lines.
• Maintain uniform size and shape: many homeowners want clean, well-defined boundary lines and hedge trimming is a great way to keep them orderly and uniform.
• Enhance the appeal of your property: specialised formal hedge trimming services such as topiary can be used to create beautiful shapes and art for your home and garden.

Benefits of hedge trimming services

Hedge trimming has many direct and indirect benefits for property owners. Here are a few:

• Improving hedge health: frequent hedge trimming encourages strong, healthy new shoots to emerge and removes dead or unproductive shoots.
• Beautify your property: clean, orderly hedges can increase the appeal and beauty of your property.
• Better security and privacy: well-trimmed hedges can be an excellent way to boost home security and to add a layer of privacy.
• Less soil erosion: routine hedge trimming can reduce runoff and soil erosion, which in turn keeps your hedge healthy and well-nourished.
• Reduces pests and diseases: rodents, insects, and various diseases can take hold in an unkempt hedge, so trimming it frequently reduces the chances of infestations.

Hedge trimming is a common service that’s often needed for the health and vitality of the hedge, defining property boundaries, and enhancing visual appeal

Types of hedge trimming services and optimal trimming seasons

Hedge trimming of any sort helps to keep the hedge clean and orderly, allowing the hedge to better sequester carbon and pollution, improve privacy by blocking some noise from adjacent roads or other properties, and many other benefits.

Formal hedge trimming

Formal hedges generally need to be trimmed up to three times per year. Since formal hedges tend to be kept for aesthetic reasons, frequent trimming helps keep growth uniform and allows gardeners and tree surgeons to exert greater control over the growth of the hedge.

Moreover, frequent trimming of formal hedges allows property owners to maintain artistic and decorative shapes. This process is referred to as topiary, and it can truly make a garden stand out and appear luxurious.

Spring and early summer tend to be the best seasons to trim a formal hedge, but it may differ depending on the species of tree/shrub in question. Below are some of the most common formal hedge species and when they should be trimmed:

Informal hedge trimming and flowering

Informal hedges don’t need the same amount of care and attention that formal hedges do, but they still benefit greatly from routine trimming in order to keep reasonably clean and orderly.

Generally, informal hedges only need to be trimmed once yearly, usually after flowering to encourage healthy new growth. This will depend on the species in question, and it’s actually quite important to get the season right because pruning at the wrong season could prevent or reduce flowering. A qualified gardener or arborist near you can assist with selecting the optimal trimming season for your informal hedge.

Below are some of the most commonly kept informal hedge species and the ideal trimming season for each:

The best time to trim your hedge depends on the species and whether the hedge is formal or informal

Common hedge trimming services techniques

The process of hedge trimming is probably what you’d expect. You or a trained professional doing the hedge trimming might use small hand tools or electric/battery/petrol hedge trimmers to gradually prune and shape the hedgerow into a neat and clean shape.

Quite honestly, that’s essentially what it is. Hedge trimming is fairly simple but there are a few important steps to consider:

Visual inspection of the hedge

The first step is to walk along the hedge and take a look at the growth. Is it uniform or are there irregularities? Is the hedgerow flush with the pavement or the lawn? If you aren’t sure where a hedgerow is supposed to line up, you can always drive wooden stakes into the ground and use string to line up the ideal line. By looking down the line from one end, you can visually see where shoots are coming out beyond the desired line and prune those.

Prepare the area for trimming

Once you’ve established the desired trimming line along the hedgerow, start placing material on the ground underneath to collect hedge trimmings. Also, remove any debris from the area such as stones or garden decor which might get in your way whilst working.

Start trimming the sides of the hedge

Now it’s time to start trimming. Start from the bottom of the hedge and cut in arc shapes, gradually going up. Always keep the blade parallel to the hedge and refer to guides (e.g. string attached to stakes) if you’re unsure of whether or not you’re trimming straight and flush.

For informal hedges 1m in height or shorter, try to cut them straight and vertical. Finish by cutting the top horizontally to get a nice boxy hedgerow that looks crisp and clean.

For hedges taller than 1m or for any formal hedge, try to make it look like a trapeze, i.e. wider at the base and tapering up to a smaller top. This is commonly called cutting the hedge to a batter. By having a wider bottom and gradually getting thinner at the top, light can reach all sections of the hedgerow and the regrowth is often much better than cutting straight edges.

Alternatively, for both short and tall hedges (but not too tall), a chamfer can be cut at a 45-degree angle where the top corners would be for a vertically-cut hedgerow. This gives the hedge a nice shape that, from a distance, looks rounded and natural.

Make a clean cut on top

The top should always be the last part trimmed. Shaving off the top part of a hedgerow can be a little challenging, which is why a guide line can be extremely helpful if you haven’t much experience with hedge trimming.

Tie a string to two stakes and raise the string to around 1-2cm below where you intend to prune down to. Start trimming with the blades flush with the top in arcs, using the guide lines to ensure that the top is flush.

For long hedgerows running along a slope or undulating terrain, it’s the discretion and preference of the property owner as to what will look best. One could go for a completely straight and flush top, have it slope down along with the ground level, or be cut in staggered steps.

Routinely inspect your progress

Always take a moment to step back after a few minutes of trimming to inspect your progress. Trimming a hedge takes time and patience, and it’s common to lose the proverbial forest for the trees and get carried away and perhaps cutting at a sharp angle or in an undesired direction.

By routinely checking your progress, you can make sure that you’re trimming enough (but not too much) material and going in the right direction.

Remove hedge trimmings

When the job is complete, you’ll have to get rid of all deadwood and pruned branches, twigs, and leaves. Garden waste removal can be made much easier if you laid out a canvas or other material along the ground before starting, since you can now bundle it all up and dispose of it properly.

Small hedge trimmings are often quite suitable for home compost bins, but larger branches may need to be deposited in your green garden waste bin. Normally, gardeners and tree surgeons doing the hedge trimming will handle garden waste for you, but this is bundled into the cost of the service and you might be able to save money by telling them you wish to keep it for yourself.

Hedge trimming is a time-consuming but rewarding job

Hedge trimming regulations in the UK

Before you trim your hedge, either by yourself or with a tree surgeon or arborist near you, it’s important to consider whether any regulations exist that may restrict your ability to do so.

Generally, homeowners in the UK can and should trim their hedgerows and there are not many restrictions in place for doing so. For very tall hedges (2.0m or taller), the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 is in effect. Neighbours may have a ‘right to light’ and if they’ve had a window with natural sunlight exposure for a number of years and your extra-tall hedge starts to block it off, you could be liable to trim or even remove the hedge.

Since many hedgerows are used as dividers between property boundaries, they are also the cause of many disputes and litigation between neighbours with regards to pruning, collection of fruit and garden waste, noise, privacy, and more. You should always try to settle any disputes with your neighbour peacefully and informally at first, only resorting to legal action if you must. You have a right to prune back a hedge along the boundary line up to the boundary line, but exceeding it may be considered damage to the neighbour’s property.

One piece of legislation that applies to all hedge trimming and pruning is the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it an offence to willingly damage or destroy a bird nest either when it is in use or being built. Birding season runs normally from early March to early August, so you should refrain from using hedge trimmers if you suspect there are nesting birds in your hedge.

Birds should all have fledged before you commence work (or hire someone to trim your hedges for you), so a visual inspection is strongly recommended during nesting season and a little bit outside of that, too.

Agricultural property owners are subject to numerous new (since 2024) legislation for hedgerows according to the government’s Hedgerow Management Rules and The Hedgerows Regulations 1997.

There are numerous laws and regulations in place in the UK regarding hedgerows

Professional hedge trimming services vs DIY: how to decide

Hedge trimming in the UK is often a fairly straightforward task that homeowners may enjoy doing themselves. A professional is not always needed, but in many cases it may be preferable to DIY work.

For manageably small hedges, around 60cm to 1m tall, homeowners can often find some joy and tranquillity in shaving away little twigs and branches and making their hedge look neat and clean. For tall hedges or for hedge topiary, it’s always best to leave this to the professionals. Working with hedge trimmers on tall hedges (around 2m tall) can be quite dangerous and time-consuming.

One important reason to call a professional tree surgeon or arborist for hedge trimming services is to ensure that the pruning season is ideal for your specific hedge species and the amount of material pruned is optimal to encourage healthy growth.

Many homeowners have a tendency to prune more than necessary, thinking it will save time and get more done - it can have more negative effects than if you’d have just left it alone! Leave the hard work to a gardener, landscape contractor, or a qualified tree surgeon or arborist instead.

Hedge trimming is perfectly fine to DIY, but it is often preferable and more convenient to hire a professional instead

How to get hedge trimming services near you

Caring for a hedgerow can be tedious work, but it is important in order to keep the hedgerow tidy and organised. For many property owners, a hedgerow functions as a clear division between properties or between the pavement or road and their property, so it’s also critical for safety, privacy, and reducing noise pollution.

When you need professional hedge trimming in the UK, look no further than TreeMend. We’ve partnered with hundreds of qualified tree surgeons and arborists near you who provide a full range of tree care services, including hedge trimming and pruning services.

Get no-obligation quotes for hedge trimming services near you by using TreeMend

Hedge trimming services in the UK: frequently asked questions

How much would it cost to trim a hedge?

According to our cost estimate, the average price of hedge trimming in the UK is around £50 per hour of labour. In general, the total cost of hedge trimming ranges from around £170 to £415, or an average of £300 per visit. Prices will naturally vary significantly depending on the size of your hedgerow and the amount of labour required, so it’s always best to obtain an accurate quote beforehand.

What month is best to trim hedges?

The best time to trim hedges in the UK is typically from early spring to early summer; however it greatly depends on the species and whether the hedge is deciduous, coniferous, or evergreen. Some common deciduous species such as Beech and Hornbeam benefit most from late winter or early spring trimming so that new growth can emerge strong. Evergreens are usually best left for late spring or early autumn.

How often does a hedge need to be trimmed?

A hedge should be trimmed at least once per year. Informal hedges often don’t need more than one trim per year, but formal hedges usually need 2-3 trims per year.

Does trimming a hedge make it grow thicker?

Yes, routine hedge trimming will gradually help new growth to emerge, thicker and stronger. This will eventually lead to nicely uniform hedges that offer superb privacy and noise reduction.

What is the most efficient way to trim hedges?

The most efficient way to trim hedges is to start from the bottom and to gradually work upwards. This is the same whether one uses a hedge trimmer or hand tools. Going from the bottom up helps the gardener maintain consistent shape and uniformity.

When shouldn't you cut a hedge?

You should refrain from trimming hedges between early March and early August, because this is bird nesting season in the UK and knowingly damaging or destroying a bird’s nest can be a criminal offence. Allow birds to fledge and inspect any hedges before commencing work between these months.

How to make a hedge bushy?

To make a hedge bushy, either start by buying pre-pleached trees and planting them for the hedge, or for existing hedges, routinely prune new growth year after year. After every growing season, the new growth should come through thicker and fuller, leading to a more bushy and full look.

What happens if you trim a hedge too much?

If you trim a hedge too much, you could cause wounds to the tree/shrub that might introduce fungal or bacterial infection, prevent the hedge from flowering or producing fruit, or in some cases, kill limbs altogether. Avoid over-pruning. Even if you think it will save you time in the future, it’s always better to prune a little less than more.

What is decorative hedge trimming called?

Decorative hedge trimming is referred to as topiary. It’s the art of creating beautiful garden decor in artistic shapes. Topiary is a highly specific form of hedge trimming, and it’s one that is not only technical but one that is (perhaps much more so) artistic and creative.

How to make a hedge grow thicker and faster?

To make a hedge grow thicker and faster, it’s essential to make sure the hedge is well watered and nourished with healthy, nutrient-rich soil. Mulching along the base can help, as can fertiliser. As the hedge grows and matures, the key to ensuring thick and fast growth is to routinely prune it with hedge trimming.

Get hedge trimming services today

Get in touch with local tree surgeons and arborists through TreeMend. Whether you want to keep your lovely little hedgerow clean and tidy, need help maintaining a large boundary hedgerow, or require any other hedge trimming services, our member partners are ready to assist you.