Wear protective clothing - gloves, ear defenders and eye protection - Click Here

  Always use an RCD when cutting a hedge. (For more info see our electrical safety guide).

  Buy a good quality hedge trimmer from a reputable retailer. Click Here

  Look out for nesting birds. Do not disturb a nest if its in use.

  Always keep the trimmer away from the body.

  Always cut your hedge upwards as downward strokes move the branches down which in turn leaves unsightly holes.

  If cutting above head height use a stable platform.

  Keep your blades oiled.

  Do not try to cut through stems thicker than the gaps in the blades.

  Do not trim conifer hedges back to far as some are unable to regenerate from the brown areas.

  Always cut your hedge to look like the letter 'A' as this enables light to reach the bottom. Never cut hedges to look like the letter 'V'.

Hedge cutting is dependant on the species ........

• Beech - once a year in July or August

• Holly - August

• Box - May & September

• Conifer - once a year in July to august

• Laurel - once a year in August

• Flowering Hedges - After flowers fade.

• Privet - three times each year in May, July and September

• Mixed species - once a year in February to avoid nesting birds

• The frequency will change where hedges encroach footpaths or block access points or highways.