We planted a hawthorne hedge bought from a local garden centre that had been recommended to us about 3 years ago.

We explained where we were planting it, what for etc and they advised us just to plant it and leave it be. Which we did. Having now done some independent research it has become clear that there should have been much more to it than this (i.e. cutting back to half size at planting, spraying the ground around it before planting, clipping back after 1 year and possibly using spirals etc etc).

The hedge has grown a little bit in some places and quite a lot in others but I fear we may have a disaster on our hands as it has never been clipped back and has an enormous amount of weeds around it which are no doubt stifiling its growth.

I would really appreciate some advice on how we could try to rescue the hedge. Especially if, when and how we should clip it back and also if there is anything we can do at this stage/time of year to combat the weeds. The good news is all the plants have taken but the bad news is that it seems we have managed it very poorly from the start through lack of advice and being novice gardeners/lack of research on our part.

It is planted near a lot of very old well established hawthorn hedges so we know that the soil etc it is in should be fine but obviously there was a lot we should have done from the outset that hasn't been done. Is there any hope!!!??