Is Your Hedge Out of Control? Here’s What to Do

Overgrown hedges are a common sight in both urban and rural gardens, but when left unchecked, they can become more than just an eyesore. Whether they’re blocking light, growing into pavements, or threatening fences, an unkempt hedge can affect your entire outdoor space. At Ruddington Tree Surgeons, we help homeowners in Ruddington, Nottingham restore control over unruly hedges with safe, effective, and professional hedge management solutions.

Recognising the Signs That Your Hedge Needs Attention

Hedges tend to grow subtly over time, making it easy to overlook their gradual expansion. Here are some clear indicators that your hedge may be out of control:

• It’s blocking light from your garden or windows
  
• It’s growing beyond your boundary lines
  
• It’s encroaching onto public pathways or roads
  
• It has become difficult to trim or shape with domestic tools
  
• It’s interfering with fences, walls, or neighbouring trees
  
• It looks messy, patchy, or overgrown beyond a tidy form
  

Why Overgrown Hedges Shouldn’t Be Ignored

While it may seem harmless at first, an out-of-control hedge can cause various issues if left unchecked:

Legal and boundary concerns – Hedges that spread over public footpaths or neighbouring property can result in complaints or enforcement notices from the local authority.

Structural problems – When left to grow excessively, hedge roots and branches can damage garden walls, fencing, or even underground services.

Restricted access and visibility – For properties near driveways or roads, large hedges can obstruct sightlines, posing a hazard to drivers and pedestrians.

Pest and disease risks – Dense, unmanaged hedging can attract unwanted pests and become vulnerable to fungal infections.

What You Can Do About It

If your hedge has become difficult to manage, the right solution depends on its size, species, and condition. Here’s how to approach it:

1. Routine Trimming

For hedges that are just beginning to spread, regular trimming can help keep them tidy and under control. Aim for a twice-yearly trim—once in late spring and again in early autumn—to encourage healthy growth and maintain shape.

2. Height and Width Reduction

For hedges that have become too tall or too wide, more extensive cutting may be required. This needs to be done carefully to avoid damaging the plant, especially with species like Leylandii or laurel which can struggle to recover if cut back too harshly.

3. Rejuvenation Pruning

In cases where the hedge is extremely overgrown or neglected, rejuvenation pruning may be the best route. This involves cutting the hedge back significantly to encourage new growth from the base. Not all species tolerate this, so professional assessment is crucial.

4. Professional Hedge Cutting Services

If the hedge is large, mature, or dangerously positioned, it’s always advisable to call in experts. At Ruddington Tree Surgeons, we have the right equipment, safety procedures, and expertise to handle hedges of all types and sizes. We tailor our service to suit your hedge’s condition while preserving its health and appearance.

Trust Local Specialists for Hedge Control

At Ruddington Tree Surgeons, we understand how to strike the right balance between tidy garden boundaries and healthy plant life. Whether it’s a privacy hedge that’s outgrown its purpose or a decorative hedge in need of reshaping, we provide precise, reliable hedge cutting throughout Ruddington, Nottingham.

If your hedge has gotten out of hand, don’t leave it any longer. Contact us today to arrange an expert assessment and reclaim your garden’s clean lines and clear space.

Call us on: 0115 647 1186
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