Annual or twice-yearly hedge maintenance, big Leylandii reductions, reshaping overgrown hedges. Often done alongside scheduled tree work.
What we do
- Routine hedge trimming — annual or twice-yearly maintenance cuts to keep a hedge in shape.
- Hedge reduction — taking the height or width down properly, not just trimming the top.
- Reshaping overgrown hedges — bringing a neglected hedge back into shape over one or two seasons.
- Leylandii reductions & removals — the classic boundary problem.
- Conifer hedge renovation — sometimes possible, sometimes not, depending on species.
Leylandii — the honest answer
Leylandii will not regrow from bare brown wood. If you reduce them past the green growth, that face stays brown forever. So a Leylandii reduction is a one-way decision: either you accept the brown side, or the hedge has to come out and something else go in. We'll walk you through the options before anyone starts the chainsaw.
Species that take a hard cut well
Beech, hornbeam, hawthorn, yew (yes, including back to bare wood), holly, laurel, privet — all happy to be cut back hard and they'll regrow. Box, box-elder, the conifers (except yew) — be careful.
When to cut
Routine trims: late spring (after the first flush) and again in early autumn for a fast-growing hedge. Hard reductions on broadleaves: late winter into early spring. Yew: late summer. Bird nesting season (March–August): we'll check before cutting and won't disturb an active nest.
What we leave behind
Clippings chipped or bagged and taken away, cut edges tidied, surrounding borders and lawn raked clean. We try to leave a hedge looking like it's had a haircut, not been to war.
Frequently asked
How often should a hedge be cut?
Most domestic hedges look best with two cuts a year — late spring and early autumn. Slow-growing hedges (yew, box) once a year is plenty.
Can you reduce my 30ft Leylandii?
Down to the lowest green growth, yes. Below that line, the brown wood won't regrow. We'll show you on site where that line is.
Will you take the clippings away?
Yes — included in the quote unless you'd specifically prefer them left for the compost heap.
Do you remove old hedges and replant?
Yes — common follow-on from a Leylandii removal. We can grind the stumps and plant a replacement hedge in beech, hornbeam or similar.