As summer draws to a close, September is an excellent time to start thinking about hedge trimming and hedge reductions in Eastbourne and across East Sussex.

Many hedges have put on a considerable amount of growth during spring and summer. What started the year as a neat boundary can quickly become overgrown, wide, tall and difficult to manage.

For homeowners with large or overgrown hedges, the end of August and beginning of September is an ideal time to consider heavy hedge reductions, reshaping and professional hedge trimming.

At CG Garden Services, we are already looking ahead to the autumn hedge-cutting season and taking bookings for customers who want their hedges brought back under control.

Why Is September a Good Time for Hedge Trimming?

The period between spring and the end of summer is particularly important for wildlife, with many birds using hedges for nesting and raising their young.

Under the current hedgerow management rules in England, qualifying hedgerows on or next to agricultural land must not generally be cut or trimmed between 1 March and 31 August. The restriction is specifically designed to help protect nesting birds and wildlife. (GOV.UK)

However, it is important to understand that this does not mean every garden hedge is legally prohibited from being cut during this period. Garden hedges are treated differently under the agricultural hedgerow regulations.

Regardless of the type of hedge or where it is located, bird nests and nesting birds are protected by law. Before carrying out hedge work, a suitable check should therefore always be made for active nests. If nesting birds are present, the work should be postponed until the birds have fledged. (GOV.UK)

As we move into September, the traditional main nesting period is coming to an end, making it a particularly useful time to plan larger hedge-maintenance jobs.

Heavy Hedge Reductions

Regular trimming and a heavy reduction are two very different jobs.

A regular hedge trim is generally about maintaining an existing shape and removing relatively small amounts of growth.

A heavy hedge reduction, on the other hand, can involve reducing the overall height and width of a hedge that has been allowed to become substantially overgrown.

This can make a dramatic difference to a garden.

A professional hedge reduction can:

• Reduce an overgrown hedge to a more manageable height

• Reduce excessive width and reclaim garden space

• Improve access around paths, driveways and gates

• Restore a more attractive and uniform shape

• Improve the appearance of a property’s frontage

• Prevent hedges becoming increasingly difficult and expensive to maintain

• Allow a regular maintenance programme to be established

  
  

In some cases, a hedge that has been neglected for several years can be transformed with one substantial reduction followed by regular maintenance.

Don’t Leave an Overgrown Hedge Until It Becomes a Problem

An overgrown hedge can cause more problems than simply looking untidy.

Hedges can gradually spread over paths, driveways and lawns. They can obstruct windows, reduce light into gardens and make access around a property more difficult.

Hedges next to roads or footpaths can also become an issue if they obstruct users or visibility.

If your hedge has become too tall or too wide, autumn is a good time to have it assessed and decide what work is required.

High Hedges and Neighbouring Properties

There are also specific rules concerning high hedges.

Under the High Hedges provisions of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, a high hedge generally means a barrier formed predominantly by a line of two or more evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs that is more than two metres high.

If such a hedge is causing a significant problem for a neighbouring property, including affecting their enjoyment of their home or garden, there is a formal process through the local council. (GOV.UK)

This is another good reason not to allow an evergreen hedge to become excessively tall and difficult to manage.

Good hedge maintenance is much easier when the hedge is kept under control rather than waiting until it becomes a major problem.

What About a Neighbour’s Hedge?

If branches or growth from a neighbouring hedge cross onto your property, you generally have the right to trim growth that crosses your boundary, but you should only cut back as far as the actual boundary.

You should also take care when dealing with protected trees, conservation areas or other restrictions that may apply. GOV.UK advises checking with the local authority where relevant. (GOV.UK)

It is always better to communicate with your neighbour before undertaking substantial work to a boundary hedge, particularly where a major reduction is being considered.

Professional Hedge Trimming in Eastbourne and East Sussex

At CG Garden Services, we provide professional hedge trimming and hedge reduction services for homeowners and properties throughout Eastbourne and the surrounding areas.

We can help with everything from regular hedge maintenance to larger, overgrown hedges requiring a substantial reduction.

Our hedge services can include:

• Hedge trimming

• Heavy hedge reductions

• Hedge height reductions

• Hedge width reductions

• Hedge reshaping

• Overgrown hedge clearance

• Removal and disposal of hedge cuttings

• Ongoing hedge maintenance

  
  

Whether your hedge simply needs bringing back into shape or has become seriously overgrown, we can assess the job and recommend the most suitable approach.

Book Your Hedge Reduction for Autumn

If you have been putting off having your hedge reduced, now is a good time to start planning.

September and the autumn months can provide an excellent opportunity to get overgrown hedges back under control before winter.

If your hedge has become too tall, too wide or simply difficult to manage, contact CG Garden Services for a free, no-obligation quote.

We provide professional garden and hedge services across Eastbourne, Polegate, Hailsham, Stone Cross, Pevensey, Langney Point and surrounding areas of East Sussex.

Call CG Garden Services today on 01323 364775 or 07832 139653 to discuss your hedge trimming or reduction requirements.

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Hedge Trimming & Heavy Hedge Reductions in Eastbourne | CG Garden Services

Professional hedge trimming and heavy hedge reductions in Eastbourne and East Sussex. Get overgrown hedges back under control. Free no-obligation quotes from CG Garden Services.