However, even if a hedge gets unkempt it can be brought back into control by following some simple steps. Here are a few pointers from professionals about how to cut an overgrown hedge.

The type of hedge at hand will decide when it needs to be trimmed. For example, flowering shrubs should be cut back after they bloom, but yew and privet prefer to be pruned in autumn after active ...

We test each hedge trimmer on conifers, deciduous, laurel and privet hedges, seeing how long it takes and how easy it is to use. With cordless hedge trimmers, we also check how long the battery lasts ...

Hawthorn, blackthorn, guilder rose, yew, beech, native privet and field ... off and they’re dormant. Cut back hard in the first year or two to thicken up the hedge at the base.