Tree-surgeons who do hedges as well.

[Hill-Billy]

This has probably been done countless times before but how many of you other arborists do hedgework as well. I only ask because I got a call yesterday from a guy whose Laurel hedge had grown too tall for his telescopic pole trimmer and he wanted me to tackle this approx 15ft high 30 ft long hedge. "They are trees after all" he said. "Yes" I said, "but I don't have the equipment to tackle formal hedging, sorry." What are the options for tackling a high hedge. Cherry-picker? work platform? Longer pole pruner? Climb inside the hedge which sounds insane to me!? I don't like to pass up work but....Do people expect to be charge the same rate as a tree surgeon for what is essentially a gardening job?

[Andy Collins]

Well if you're busy pruning trees, and can afford to turn it away, then do so, if not then take on the hedge. I've always done hedging as a part of my service and don't see the issue. If you turn this kind of work away, I feel you are turning away a huge amount of potential work. Cost wise, I charge the same as for tree work. Gear wise, buy the tools you need.

[ecotreecare]

Well if you're busy pruning trees, and can afford to turn it away, then do so, if not then take on the hedge. I've always done hedging as a part of my service and don't see the issue. If you turn this kind of work away, I feel you are turning away a huge amount of potential work. Cost wise, I charge the same as for tree work. Gear wise, buy the tools you need.

 

Good post... About sums it up!!!

[nepia]

A 15' laurel hedge to reduce? Yes please; good stuff to work and good firewood! Personally I'd work off stabilised ladders but climbing inside is a good option; cut yourself a hole once you're in there and work from the inside out until you're in clear air.

[hazzygawa]

Tree and hedge work. Buy the kit and you will have more work. As said, stabilising ladder and climb inside the hedge. Bring it down to a more manageable height.

[silky fox]

Always enjoyed a bit of hedge-hopping! especially a big Laurel..lots of foot and hand holds.

[face cord]

If its too wide to reach from outside climb up inside with a silky & loppers then work in circles around were you pop out of the top, then repeat etc.

 

Do the outside edges with long reach pruner. 15 ft height doesn't sound that bad unless its a really wide hedge.

 

 

Really extra wide hegdes can be tricky sometimes, scratchy leylandi etc.

[Hodge]

I do loads of hedges as they can be bread and butter, I charge the same if not more than tree work as the clippings don't go through chipper coz of stones etc. I have ladders, and a platform ladder that can have up to 10ft platform, long hdge cutters with extension. Once you get the kit it's a good earner.

[Hodge]

I use one of these and a good set of ladders, the plat form ladder is adjustable. Have a look at ladder safety devices web page. Then use a set of long reach hedge cutters with extension.

[Tommy_B]

Ladder with a plank tied to it if its formal, if not, climb through as stated before.