Whether it is an individual specimen tree or a conifer hedge (such as Leylandii), conifer trees need proper treatment to keep their growth under control whilst maintaining their health. Over-pruning can kill off some conifers; substantial height reduction of a mature hedge may lead to it dying completely.
Conifer hedges can be trimmed throughout spring and summer to maintain a manageable height and width. Vigorous conifers need trimming two or more times a year. A final cut during mid to late August should deter excessive regrowth in autumn, resulting in a sharper silhouette throughout winter. Height reduction can be carried out in spring removing no more than one- third of the overall hedge height.
Whenever possible, avoid pruning evergreen trees in late summer and early fall. Pruning at this time can stimulate new growth that may not harden off before winter, and thus may be damaged or killed by the cold.
In Britain and Ireland, conifer hedges are estimated to be the cause of over 20,000 ongoing neighbour disputes. The disputes usually centre on encroachment or the exclusion of sunlight; many of these problems end up in court or worse still, the local accident and emergency room.
Here is the hedges tree law as it stands in Britain…
If a hedge is encroaching on a neighbour's garden, the neighbours is entitled to trim back the hedge to the boundary themselves, but must offer the trimmings to the owner. This law also pertains to Ireland as well. That solves the sideways growth of the tree for a while, next is the upward growth. You are not entitled without permission to reduce your neighbour’s tree in height, often done to allow extra sunlight to sites. This is where your people skills will be put to the test as you try to convince your neighbour to top his trees or allow you permission to do so.
In Britain, if the neighbour digs his heels in and stubbornly refuses to reduce the height of the trees or hedge, then you can contact you local council. A complainant must prove they have tried to resolve matters privately first before approaching their local council. If the council deems the hedge excessive, they can (under the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003) order it to be reduced in height.
Failure to comply with this order could mean a fine of £1,000, and a criminal record.
When undertaking work on garden hedges, Connick Tree Care check that there are no birds nesting as it is an offence under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 to damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built.
Please note that major surgery, chainsaw work and any pruning which is substantial, high, inaccessible, or requires a ladder, should be done by a qualified and registered expert, both for your own safety and also for the long-term health of your tree.
Connick Tree Care employ dedicated specialists in the preservation and maintenance of trees. We believe in offering the most cost-effective solutions for the long-term management of your trees. We have a qualified and experienced management team, together with highly skilled operational Arborists who can deliver a superb service offering excellent value for money.
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