5 Things Most Hedge Trimming Services Don’t Tell You
When people book hedge trimming services, they usually just want their garden to look neat again – no branches poking the neighbour’s fence, no wild shapes sticking out. Seems simple, right?
But having trimmed hedges all over Norwich – from neat suburban box hedges in Hellesdon to enormous Leylandii walls in Taverham – we can tell you this job involves far more than most realise.
And here’s the thing: most companies won’t tell you the stuff that really matters. But we will.
If you’re thinking of booking hedge trimming services, here are five things you should absolutely know first. No fluff – just straight-up advice from folks who trim hedges for a living.
1. The Season You Trim Makes a Huge Difference
Many homeowners don’t realise that timing is everything when it comes to hedge trimming.
- Trim too early in spring, and you risk chopping off new growth before it matures – meaning your hedge ends up patchy.
- Trim too late in summer, and you’ll encourage a flush of soft growth that can’t harden off before winter, leading to frost damage.
- Trim in peak nesting season (March–August), and you could be breaking the law.
We once turned down a job in April because we found an active blackbird nest in a dense privet. The client was surprised – “Aren’t they just birds?” they asked. But under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it’s illegal to disturb active nests. Good hedge trimming services will always check before they cut.
Tip
In general, we recommend trimming formal hedges (like box, yew, privet) in late summer, and informal flowering hedges after flowering.
2. The Shape of Your Hedge Isn’t Just About Looks
This might sound odd, but hedge shape affects hedge health.
Ever seen a hedge that’s wider at the top than the bottom? You’ll often find it’s browning or thinning out near the base. That’s because the upper section is shading the lower part – preventing it from getting enough light.
We always recommend shaping hedges so they’re narrower at the top and wider at the base – it’s known as a “batter”. It looks professional, and it helps the whole hedge grow evenly.
It’s one of those small trade tricks you’d never think about until someone explains it – and many hedge trimming services don’t bother.
3. Boundary Hedges Can Get You in Trouble
If your hedge sits on a boundary line, you need to know where the legal limit is. We’ve dealt with more than a few neighbour disputes in places like Thorpe St Andrew and Lakenham, where someone’s taken “a bit off the top” and ended up cutting branches that didn’t technically belong to them.
Under UK law, you can legally cut back any branches or foliage that overhang your property, but you must not cross the boundary to do so – not even to lean a ladder or reach across.
We once had to mediate between two neighbours in Bowthorpe because one hired a handyman who trimmed both sides of a shared hedge. It escalated quickly. A professional hedge trimming service will know where to stop – and help you avoid a tense conversation over the garden fence.
4. Cheap Trimming Often Leaves You Paying Twice
We get it – not everyone wants to spend loads on hedge work. But the cheaper the service, the more likely they’re rushing through the job with blunt tools or cutting too harshly to save time.
We’ve had to fix jobs where:
- Power trimmers tore through the hedge instead of making clean cuts, leaving browned edges and disease risk.
- The hedge was scalped too hard, leaving bare patches that didn’t recover for a year.
- Shredded clippings were left underneath, encouraging rot and weeds.
A proper hedge trimming service will:
- Use sharp, clean blades
- Know the species and growth rate of the hedge
- Tidy and dispose of all waste responsibly
- Leave you with a hedge that looks balanced and healthy
In Norwich, we often compost trimmings or take them to Norfolk County Council’s green waste site, depending on the volume and your preferences. You should never be left with a mess to clear.
5. Most Hedges Can Be Repaired – If You Know How
A lot of people think once a hedge has gone woody, it’s game over. But actually, some species – like beech, hornbeam and yew – can be restored with patience and the right cuts.
We’ve done this plenty of times. A job near Norwich’s Ring Road had a massively overgrown hawthorn hedge, 12ft high and completely bare on the bottom half. Instead of ripping it out (as the client was advised elsewhere), we proposed a 2-year staged reduction with careful feeding and shaping.
By year two, it was thick, green, and manageable – for half the cost of replacement.
Hedge renovation is one of those things that only experienced hedge trimming services offer. It takes longer and doesn’t give an instant result, but it can save you hundreds and restore your privacy naturally.
FAQs on Hedge Trimming Services
Q: How often should I get my hedges trimmed?
Depends on the type. Formal hedges may need twice-yearly cuts, while informal ones are often fine with once a year.
Q: Can I trim my hedge myself?
You can – but be cautious. Ladder safety, sharp tools, and nesting checks are all vital. For large or boundary hedges, it’s worth hiring a pro.
Q: Do you take the waste away?
Yes, we always leave your garden clean unless you request the clippings for mulch or composting.
Q: Will the hedge grow back thicker?
Usually yes – if trimmed correctly. That’s how you encourage dense, healthy growth. Bad cuts, however, can shock the plant or leave bald patches.
Real Talk from a Norwich Hedge Pro
We’ve trimmed just about every type of hedge Norwich has to offer – leylandii, laurel, yew, hornbeam, box, privet, and more. We’ve worked for homeowners, schools, commercial landlords, and even the odd estate with miles of hedgerows.
Every garden’s different, and every hedge responds differently depending on the tools, the season, and the species. That’s why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work.
So, when looking for hedge trimming services, make sure you’re getting more than just someone with a trimmer – get someone who knows what your hedge actually needs.
Need hedge trimming services that do the job properly?
We’re local, experienced, and happy to take a look – whether it’s a tidy-up or a full restoration.