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Hedge trimming, reduction and removal

From a yearly trim to taking a 6-metre leylandii hedge down to a manageable height, these firms do hedge work of every size.

A powered hedge trimmer cutting the face of a tall conifer hedge
Photo: FRAEM GmbH on Unsplash

Firms that do hedge trimming & reduction, by town

Services are as each firm describes them on its own website. 24/7 firms are listed first; the order isn't a ranking.

Trimming, reduction or removal

  • Trimming keeps a hedge at its current size and shape. Most hedges need it once or twice a year.
  • Reduction takes an overgrown hedge down in height and width. Leylandii, thuja and most other conifers don't regrow from old brown wood (yew is the main exception), so they can only be reduced so far before they leave bare patches. A good firm will tell you if a conifer hedge is past saving.
  • Removal means cutting the hedge down and grinding out the stumps, often followed by replanting with something slower growing.

Nesting season

Hedges are prime nesting sites. Birds nest mainly from March to August but can nest at any time, and it's an offence to damage a nest in use. A hedge should be checked before cutting and work stopped if there's an active nest, which is why many firms do heavy hedge work in autumn and winter.

High hedge disputes

Under Part 8 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, you can ask your council to step in over a neighbour's hedge that is a line of two or more mainly evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs, more than 2 metres tall, and that is affecting the reasonable enjoyment of your home or garden. You must have tried to settle it with your neighbour first, and councils charge a fee. The council can order the hedge to be reduced and kept down, but not removed or cut below 2 metres. Single trees and deciduous hedges aren't covered.

Questions

How much can a leylandii hedge be cut back?

Only as far as there is still green growth. Cutting into old brown wood usually leaves permanent bare patches, so heavy reductions are often done in stages.

When should hedges be cut?

Formal hedges are usually trimmed in late summer and again in early spring if needed. Heavy reduction is best done in autumn or winter, outside the bird nesting season.

Can I cut my neighbour's hedge?

You can usually trim branches that overhang your side back to the boundary, unless the hedge or tree is protected, but you can't cut beyond your boundary without permission. Offer the cuttings back. For tall evergreen hedges, see the high hedges rules above.

Can an overgrown leylandii hedge be saved?

Sometimes. It can be reduced as long as green growth remains, often in stages over two seasons. If the sides have gone brown and bare, replacing it is usually better.

How to choose a tree surgeon

  • Insurance: ask to see a public liability certificate (the Arboricultural Association recommends at least £5m), and employers' liability, which is a legal requirement if they have staff.
  • Qualifications: chainsaw and climbing work should be done by people holding NPTC (City & Guilds) or Lantra certificates. Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor status is a stronger check.
  • A written quote: it should say exactly what will be cut, whether the stump is ground out, and whether waste and logs are taken away.
  • Standards: ask whether the work will follow BS 3998, the British Standard for tree work.
  • Protected trees: a good firm will check for a TPO or conservation area and can make the application. See our TPO guide.

Listings show what each firm says it offers. We don't check insurance or qualifications, so ask for proof before you hire. How we list firms.