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Hedge Work FAQ

West Country Tree Services has built a reputation for providing outstanding hedge management services for domestic, agricultural and commercial clients across Wiltshire and Somerset.

We have high standards when it comes to maintaining garden hedges or hedgerows in the countryside, offering a range of services including hedge trimming, shaping, planting and hedge removal.

New and existing hedge work customers always have questions to ask, so we thought it would be useful to compile a list of the most frequently asked questions about hedges, and our answers.

If we’ve left out anything you’d like to know about hedge work, please get in touch and we’ll be pleased to help.

Why do hedges need trimming?

Hedges need to be kept in shape in order to form the neat, tidy barrier that is the purpose for which we plant them. If they weren’t formatively trimmed they would grow at random like any shrub. Trimming and pruning a hedge also removes diseased branches and keeps the hedge plants in good health with dense, lush growth.

When should hedges be trimmed?

Informal hedges should be trimmed at least once a year, but formal hedges will need a maintenance trim more often to keep them in shape. There are also some species of hedge which will need trimming up to three times a year or more. Hedge trimming is best carried out in late spring or early summer, and again in late August if necessary. Hedgerows in the countryside are now being managed by being cut only once every two years or less in line with encouraging wildlife biodiversity which inhabits hedges.

Are there laws or regulations pertaining to hedge trimming?

Yes, the main one being that it is an offence under the Wildlife & Countryside Act to damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built. We therefore take great care to check for birds – and all wildlife – before going ahead with hedge trimming. There is also legislation dealing with “high hedges” on the boundaries of properties, which may cause problems with neighbours. The Royal Horticultural Society website explains this well.

What tools and equipment do you use for hedge trimming?

We use a range of tools and equipment for hedge trimming, including hedge trimmers, ladders, pruning shears, and safety gear. Our tools are regularly maintained to ensure they are in good working order and safe to use.

Do you dispose of the hedge trimmings?

Yes, we will dispose of the hedge trimmings responsibly for you. We will either take them away with us for disposal, or if you wish to keep them let us know and we’ll leave them in a neat pile.

Can you provide references for previous hedge trimming work you have done?

Yes, certainly, we are always happy to provide verified references and images showing hedge trimming work we have performed. We are proud of the fact that we have a host of positive reviews online on Checkatrade and Which? Trusted Traders. See our Testimonials.

What areas do you cover for hedge trimming?

We cover all towns and the surrounding countryside within Wiltshire and Somerset, including Bath BA1 & BA2, Bradford on Avon BA15, Calne SN11, ChippenhamCorshamDevizesMalmesburyPeasedown St JohnRoyal Wotton BassettSwindonTrowbridgeWarminster, and Westbury.

Get in Touch!

At West Country Tree Services, we are pleased to offer superior tree surgery across Wiltshire and Somerset. If you’re looking for a trustworthy tree surgeon to assess any hazardous tree(s), get in touch by calling us on 01225 345137 or email us at enquiries@westcountrytreeservices.co.uk.

We cover all towns within Wiltshire and Somerset, including Bath, Bradford-on-Avon, Calne, Chippenham, Corsham, Devizes, Malmesbury, Melksham, Peasedown St John, Royal Wootton Bassett, Swindon, Trowbridge, Warminster, and Westbury.