Hedges require formative pruning on planting as well as regular maintenance trimming to keep them within bounds. Pruning will vary depending on the type of hedge. Timing of pruning should also take into account the potential for nesting birds. However, in general, these are the optimum timings for pruning hedges.

Decidous hedges

• Formative pruning: In winter, just after planting, and for the first two years after planting
• Maintenance pruning: Each summer

Evergreen hedges

Formative pruning: In the spring after planting and for the first two years after planting

• Maintenance pruning: Each summer