Hedge refurb!

[Mark lanark]

Recently moved into a house with a hedge that has been maintained regularly in the past but let go the last few years by the looks of it. Im

looking to cut it back down to a reasonable height and il keep on top of it from now on. Looking for some advice on best way to go, there is a good few of the “leaders” taking off and forming trees, which I dont mind so happy to cut around these and keep the hedge more defined. Where the bottom area is pretty bare.. is there anything I can to do to encourage new growth at the lower level or is it too late for that? I think it might be copper beach but have very little knowledge of species yet. Still learning. Thanks for any advice.. Mark

[Stere]

Looks a beech hedge with a hawthorn and some cherry trees.

 

Leaders left to grow into trees, not a  good idea as unless you either want to  them develop into either a  higher hedge or a line of trees instead of a hedge as they will shade bottom and make the hedge thin if left as trees

 

You can trim  the beech and hawthorn now . Leave  pruning any  lower branches on the cherry trees till  summer   due to silver leaf risk.

 

Maximizing light will thicken the base of the hedge up, having to many trees above overhanging etc isn't good due to excess shade, also  keeping the hegde trimmed in future will be easier if the lower  cherry tree branches  are kept clear of hedge top.

 

Remove old fence unless its needed stopping stock etc and keep grass cut on both sides along base (without barking trunks) as that will thicken base gaps up as long grass in summer probably shaded the base....

[Will C]

Let it grow taller this year and have it laid next winter,  You will get far better regrowth from the base, more wildlife in it and if done well will be stock proof evan if your only livestock is a dog or child 👍

 

leave a occasional tree in a laid hedge for the birds to sing from. A hedge with a song post every 20metre will get more small birds nesting than one without.