In article ,
says...

On 28/09/14 14:54, Janet wrote:
In article ,
says...

I have extensive hedging which Father Time has decreed I need to get
someone to cut it for me.
I have just had it extensively cut, now I plan to get it trimmed twice a
year so that it is kept reasonably tidy. The hedges are holly, beech and
hawthorn, with odds and ends mixed in.
When would be the best months to have it cut, to keep it tidy and under
control?

Autumn /winter, when no birds are nesting in it, and you will get the
longest "neat effect" before it starts growing again.

Janet


I agree. No experience of beech, but I have hawthorn/holly mix.

I can get away with one brutal cut in a year, which autumn is a good
choice as Janet says.

A light trim in early summer can smarten it up alot though.

True, but it's nesting season.

http://www.rspb.org.uk/makeahomeforw...ng/planting/he
dges/the_law.aspx

"We recommend that cutting hedges and trees is avoided between March
and August as this is the main breeding season for nesting birds.

Nesting birds

It is an offence under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act of
1981 to intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird
while it is in use or being built. It will be an intentional act, for
example, if you or your neighbour know there is an active nest in the
hedge and still cut the hedge, damaging or destroying the nest in the
process."

Janet.



Janet