should I do it or not?

[TArrryan]

Today I viewed a hedge that needs two things done to it, firstly it just needs a good old trim like any hedge does each year, theres no problem with that, the real problem is what the council want done! the hedge is about 120 feet in length and 8 foot tall. unfortunatly it overhangs the public path by as much as 40% in places and the council have told the lady it needs cutting back! I don't disagree that it needs trimming but I do feel it would have a severe negative impact on its location, I drive by this hedge evey day (live 100m down the road) and can remember it being there since we moved into the house 18 years ago. I'm unaware of any complaints about it overhanging and personally never had any problems with it when I have walked past. Is there any way I can try and change the councils mind on this matter??

 

I also hate the though of being the one that has to slaughter the nice sweeping hedge cutting it back to bare wood !! I wouldnt be surprised if I was approached by a number of people about its cutting

[Johny Walker]

just do it,itll grow bk in no time

[TArrryan]

sorry should of mentioned its a conifer, nothing but dead wood will remain afterwards. if it would grow back then i would have no problem with it. it would be nothing but a eyesore on the local area after cutting

[armchairarborist]

i'd try suggesting a fell and replant regime, more money for the client to pay out but kept on top of it will be a real asset to her and the neighbourhood, but if she doesn't want that then yes i would trim back to the sticks cursing all the way

[Johny Walker]

looked like a privet, specsavers for me ,i do think:laugh1:

rip it & start again:biggrin:

[TArrryan]

I suggested the idea of ripping out and starting again but she snorted at the idea I really hate the idea of cutting it back, would appealing to the council or tpo work maybe?

[Stephen Blair]

I think it looks cracking the way it is, it looks high enough to not get in the way.

[tommer9]

Actually if you cut one side of a conny hedge back hard, yes it will look rough as rats for a while (quite a long while!) but the remaining side will turn back and grow through again, which can be managed and kept in check after time, so all would not be lost.

[Ian Leach]

Can't see nothing wrong with just a trim, but if the council wants to get funny they will do the work themselves at charge a small fortune.

 

I would tell them to sod off and tell them to widen the path

 

It does sound like a lose lose situation at the mo, unless an apeal does work.

[Billy]

I had to do a similar job in Penshurst with a Yew Hedge that overhung the path, which was narrow even at full width, no one seemed ot want it done but the council insisted, it was an awful job! Its starting to grow back now, but it'll be a while before its back to normal!

That will be terrible ona connifer hedge, they should put a fence up or something.