Hedge Trimming, Pruning and Topping in Barnsley

Hedges are easy to lose control of. One or two seasons without a cut and a tidy boundary becomes something you need a ladder and a plan for. We cut them back into shape, bring the height down, or take them out completely.

What we take on

• Routine trimming

  Sides and top cut back to a clean line, once or twice a year depending on the species.

• Height reduction and topping

  Bringing an overgrown hedge back down to a height you can maintain.

• Hard reduction

  Cutting a badly overgrown hedge well back, where the species will tolerate it.

• Full removal

  Taking the hedge out along with the stumps and roots so the boundary can be reused.

Conifer and leylandii

Leylandii is the one people most often need help with. It grows fast, it grows tall, and it will not reshoot from bare brown wood. That means there is a limit to how far back it can be cut and still recover. We will tell you before we start whether reducing it will leave you with a green hedge or a brown fence, and if the honest answer is removal we will say so.

Laurel, privet and beech

Laurel and privet take hard pruning well and will come back from old wood. Beech and hornbeam hold their dead leaves through winter and are best cut in late summer.

Nesting birds

It is an offence to disturb an active nest. Between March and August we check hedges before cutting and will postpone a section if we find one.

Clearing up

All cuttings are chipped and taken away, and the base of the hedge and any paths are swept before we leave.

Where we work

We are based in Barnsley and cover South and West Yorkshire, including Wombwell, Hoyland, Royston, Cudworth, Darfield, Worsbrough, Penistone, Dodworth and Mapplewell. See the full list of areas we cover, or call and ask.

Frequently asked questions

How much does hedge trimming cost?

It depends on the length, the height and how overgrown it is. Quotes are free and fixed in writing.

How often should a hedge be cut?

Most formal hedges want one or two cuts a year. Fast growers like leylandii often need two to stay in shape.

Can leylandii be cut back hard?

Only so far. It will not reshoot from bare brown wood, so cutting into old growth leaves a permanent gap. We will tell you what is realistic before starting.

When is the best time to cut a hedge?

Late summer suits most formal hedges. We avoid disturbing active nests between March and August.

Can you reduce the height of a very tall hedge?

Yes. Bringing an overgrown hedge back to a maintainable height is one of our most common jobs.

Do you take the cuttings away?

Yes, everything is chipped and removed unless you would like to keep it.

Can you remove a hedge completely, roots and all?

Yes. We cut it out and grind the stumps so the ground can be reused.

How high can you reach?

We work off ladders, platforms or climb as the job needs. Tell us the height and we will bring the right kit.

Is there a limit on how high my hedge can be?

High hedge rules can apply to evergreen hedges over two metres where they affect a neighbour. Barnsley Council handles complaints.

Do you cover the villages around Barnsley?

Yes, across South and West Yorkshire. See the areas page for the full list.