When is the best time of the year to trim beech hedges?

Answer 1

The best time of the year to trim hedges is late winter before bud burst. Trimming in early winter will rob birds of a vital winter food source (haws and other berries) while trimming in summer will disturb nesting birds.

An 'A' shaped hedge of approx. 6 feet tall is superior to the more familiar box-shaped hedge because it is easier (and cheaper) to trim, can withstand snow better, controls weeds better and will not become gappy at the bottom due to shading of the lower branches.

Shaping the hedge in an 'A' should start after two to three years and can be done using hedging shears or a petrol-driven handheld hedge cutter. The hedge can have its first mechanical trimming after five years or so. The hedge is shaped in an 'A' and as the hedge is still young, two passes will achieve this. After this, the trimming will be done on a biennial basis to increase the hedge's environmental value. It is also possible to trim one side one year and leave the other side until the following year. By year ten, the hedge will have reached its final height of approx. six feet. To trim this, four passes are necessary. Trimming the hedge in this fashion will increase its stockproofness rather than diminish it.

Answer 2

Beech Hedge Pruning

Answer 3

Now , perfect, not just beech but hedges in general. When the growth has slowed down but before the first frosts.

Answer 4

Generally speaking in end of may when the growth can get unruly, but most beech hedges sprout more growth around about now, so get the trimmers and get clipping.

Answer 5

July

Answer 6

Are you sure iit isn't 'Tall Hedge' it doesn't matter - but you can prune anytime except at the beginning of the winter when freezing can cause a little dieback.

Answer 7

March & October.

Answer 8

Hey..respect your hedge, don't call it a beech!!

Answer 9

october

Answer 10

When they need trimming.