Professional hedge trimming and pruning in London

Name: Hedge, Bush, Shrub Trimming & Pruning
Brand: Fantastic Services
Rating: 4.6 (44279 reviews)

Experienced gardeners to trim, shape and cut all sizes of hedges, bushes and shrubs in your London garden

Book this service to develop or maintain formal or informal hedges
Price includes 2 gardeners for speed and efficiency
All equipment required to complete the work is supplied
Cost is inclusive of up to one black bin bag of green waste disposal

Hedge trimming in London for all types of hedges

Hedge trimming expert while working in a London garden

All hedges need regular care to keep them lush and healthy. Formative hedge pruning, required in the first two or three years after planting focuses on stimulating healthy, balanced growth. Maintenance hedge trimming for established hedges prevents them from getting too big and ensures that they have an attractive shape. Hedge trimming services in London are offered for all types of hedges, including the following:

Beech - Formative pruning of beech hedges is generally required in early and late summer. Mature beech hedges are cut back in winter if required.

Privet - Young privet hedges benefit from regular trimming through spring and summer to encourage branching at the base and root development.

Boxwood (Buxus) - Needs formative pruning at least twice a year, generally in June and then either August or September.

Laurel - Requires formative pruning in July or August. Avoid late pruning as tender shoots can be damaged by harsh winter weather.

Cypress hedges - Leylandi needs trimming up to three times a year. It's important not to cut into bare wood as the leaves won't regrow.

Evergreen hedges - Most evergreen hedges are best trimmed in late autumn or early winter. Pruning times vary depending on the specific species.

Mixed hedgerows - Individual specimens within mixed hedgerows must be pruned or trimmed according to their specific requirements.

It's not necessary that your plants be lined up in a row in order for you to take advantage of professional hedge pruning or hedge trimming services in London. Book experienced gardeners for individual bush or shrub trimming and pruning too. Get back the good look of your garden with expert garden maintenance services near you!

Hedge trimming service in London in progress

What happens when you book professional hedge trimming in London

Hedge trimming specialists while working in a London property

Before booking hedge trimming or pruning we do ask that you check for bird nests in the hedges you require work on. Your local gardeners will double-check before starting work. If there are active nests you can rebook your service for a later date when the chicks have fledged.

Your gardeners need a parking place close to your property as they bring various pieces of heavy or bulky equipment to complete their work. If the team can gain access to your garden without coming through the house you can request a totally contactless service.

Hedges are pruned or trimmed according to your requested size and shape, with care taken to ensure that any dead, diseased or dangerous branches are removed. All the trimmed material is swept and bagged. The removal of up to 180 lt of green material is included in the cost of your service, if you need more waste taken away a small extra charge will apply.

Regardless of whether you've requested pruning for hedges or for individual bushes or shrubs, the service is completed in much the same way. All plants of less than 4 metres high can be pruned. Specimens taller than this will require the attention of our tree surgery team.

Garden maintenance specialists near you:

Violin Ivanov 4.5/5 642 ratings

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Frequently asked questions

Q: What height can the hedge trimmers work to?

A: This service is suitable for hedges, bushes or shrubs up to 4 metres high. Work above this height has to be completed by qualified tree surgeons.

Q: Are there any laws around hedge maintenance?

A: You're legally required to ensure that your hedges or large plants are kept in a safe condition so they don't present a danger to people or neighbouring property. There are also wildlife protection laws that apply when cutting large plants or hedges. This is why we can't work near active bird nests for example.

Q: I have a hedge on the boundary between my property and my neighbour - who is responsible for it?

A: You and your neighbour are jointly responsible for the hedge. You have to keep your side of it in good condition, they theirs. If you have good relations with your neighbour and can arrange for all the work to be done at the same time this is likely to be more cost-effective for both of you.

Q: Do you need permission to cut down a hedge?

A: In most cases, you don’t need permission to trim or remove a hedge on your own property. However, there are exceptions. If the hedge is part of a protected area (like in a conservation zone), subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), or provides nesting grounds for wildlife, you may need approval from your local council. It’s also important to coordinate with your neighbour if the hedge is on a shared boundary. If in doubt, we recommend checking with your local authority before arranging removal.

Q: How much does it cost to trim hedges in the UK?

A: Hedge trimming with Fantastic Gardeners starts at £83 for the first hour, with £60 for each additional hour. This includes a team of two professional gardeners and the removal of up to one black bin bag of green waste. You’ll get a precise quote based on the size and condition of your hedges during booking or consultation.

Q: How much does it cost to remove a Leylandii hedge?

A: The cost to remove a Leylandii hedge depends on its height, length, and thickness. Since Leylandii can grow tall and dense, removal may require our tree surgery team for anything over 4 metres. Prices start at £99 (or £90 for Fantastic Club members) for basic tree surgery services, and you'll receive a personalised quote after a survey. The service includes cutting, dismantling, and green waste removal.

Q: When is the best time to have formative or cosmetic trimming or pruning done?

A: This depends on the type of hedge and the precise work required. You can check our page on trimming different types of hedges if you need a visual guide to identify yours. If you're still unsure just book an initial consultation.

Q: When should I cut hedges to avoid disturbing nesting birds?

A: The bird nesting season in the UK typically runs from March to August, so hedge cutting should ideally be done outside of this window. If trimming must be done during this period, it’s essential to first check for active nests and our gardeners will always do the same. If a nest is found, work will be postponed until the birds have safely fledged.

Q: When should I prune evergreen hedges in the UK?

A: Most evergreen hedges are best pruned in late summer to early autumn (August to October) to maintain shape and avoid frost damage to new growth. Some varieties, like boxwood, can also be trimmed in late spring or again in early autumn. Avoid heavy pruning in winter or early spring, as this can shock the plant or expose it to frost. If you're unsure of your hedge type, our gardeners can advise the best timing during your visit.

Q: When is the best time to cut a Leylandii hedge?

A: Leylandii hedges grow quickly and usually need trimming two to three times a year. The best times are late spring (May–June), mid-summer (July–August), and early autumn (September). Avoid cutting during frosty or very hot weather, and never trim back into bare wood – Leylandii won’t regrow from it. Regular, light trimming keeps your hedge dense, healthy, and under control.

Q: When should I trim a laurel hedge in the UK?

A: Laurel hedges are best trimmed in mid to late summer, ideally in July or August. This gives the plant enough time to recover before colder weather arrives. Avoid trimming too late in the year, as young shoots can be damaged by frost. Light shaping can be done earlier in the season if needed, but heavy pruning is best saved for summer. Regular trimming helps keep laurel hedges dense and manageable.

Q: When should I hard prune a box hedge in the UK?

A: Hard pruning of box (Buxus) hedges should be done in late spring (May) when the risk of frost has passed. This gives the plant time to recover and produce new growth over the warmer months. Avoid hard pruning in autumn or winter, as cold temperatures can damage exposed cuts and slow recovery. After a hard prune, feed and water regularly to support healthy regrowth, and monitor for signs of box blight.

Q: Can you cut a hedge back too much?

A: Yes, over-pruning a hedge can cause damage and may prevent it from regrowing properly, especially with species like Leylandii or conifers, which don’t regrow from bare wood. Over-trimming can also weaken the plant, making it more vulnerable to disease or harsh weather. Our gardeners are trained to trim each hedge species correctly, maintaining shape without compromising health.

Q: How do I trim a hedge without killing it?

A: To avoid damaging or killing a hedge: Use sharp tools to make clean cuts and prevent tearing. Never cut into bare wood on species like Leylandii or conifers — these areas won’t regrow. Follow natural shapes and trim lightly, especially on older hedges. Trim at the right time (outside of nesting season and before frost) depending on the hedge type. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant at once, especially for younger or stressed hedges. Our professional gardeners are trained to prune each hedge type correctly, ensuring it stays healthy and attractive.

Q: How do I reduce the height of a hedge?

A: To reduce the height of a hedge safely: Trim during the correct season - usually late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Use sharp, clean tools and work gradually - don’t remove more than 1/3 of the total height at once. For large or old hedges, reduce the height over two or more seasons to avoid shock or dieback. Always check the species first: some, like Leylandii, must not be cut into bare wood as they won’t regenerate. If your hedge is taller than 4 metres, we recommend using our tree surgery service, as specialist equipment may be needed.

Q: Does trimming a hedge make it grow thicker?

A: Yes, regular trimming encourages a hedge to grow thicker and denser. By cutting back the tips of new growth, you stimulate the plant to produce more side shoots, which fill out gaps and improve overall shape. The best time to do this depends on the hedge type, but formative pruning in the early years and consistent maintenance cuts are key to developing a lush, healthy hedge. Just avoid over-pruning or cutting into bare wood on species like Leylandii or conifers.

Q: What’s the difference between pruning and trimming?

A: While they’re often used interchangeably, pruning and trimming serve different purposes: Pruning is done to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches, or to control plant structure and promote healthy growth. It’s more targeted and health-focused. Trimming usually refers to shaping plants and maintaining their size or appearance - often for hedges and topiary.

Q: What happens if you don’t trim your bush?

A: If you don’t trim your bush or shrub regularly, it can become overgrown, untidy, and block light or pathways. It can develop weak, leggy growth with fewer flowers or leaves. It can also, accumulate dead or diseased branches, which can affect plant health and invade nearby plants, fences, or structures. Regular trimming encourages healthier, denser growth and helps your garden look well-kept year-round.

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