How tall can I let my hedge grow?

Hedges are generally maintained at 6 to 8 feet high; privacy plantings can rise 30 feet. In general, screen plantings are much wider, too, made up of a mix of staggered evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs, and perennials for a natural look.

What is the maximum height of a hedge?

High hedges are described as an evergreen or semi evergreen line of two or more trees, at least 2m in height and are capable of blocking out light. There is a common misconception that growing a hedge above 2m in height is illegal. This is in fact incorrect - there is no legal maximum height for a hedge.

How tall should privacy hedges be?

Privet (Lingustrum Vulgare)

Common privet shrubs can reach a height of four to fifteen feet with a spread of four to eight feet. These fast-growing shrubs bear white flowers in late spring or early summer, and black berries typically follow. When pruned into hedges, privet shrubs provide dense foliage.

Can I cut the top off a hedge?

In the second year (February to March) cut back growth by half. Throughout the second summer, trim side branches to maintain sides that taper towards the top. In the second autumn, cut the topmost branch ('leading shoot') to the desired hedge height.

How long does it take to grow a hedge for privacy?

Generally this takes 1-2 seasons after planting. To train as a hedge, trim top and sides a few times per year as necessary, removing about one-half the length of new shoots.

Hedge planting guide update: revealed 3 years on

What to plant to block neighbors?

Can you grow a hedge against a fence?

Conclusion. Planting a hedge next to a fence is a great way to screen a neighboring property. But without proper planning, your hedge planting project can easily go awry. Just remember that the species of plant you choose is the main factor that determines the space you need between your fence and your hedge.

How far back can you cut a hedge?

Tidying overgrown deciduous and evergreen hedges

You can cut both the height and width of your overgrown hedge back by up to 50% in one single cut, however we recommend staggering this process over at least two years, preferably more.

When should you not cut hedges?

We recommend avoiding hedge cutting during the main breeding season for nesting birds, which usually runs throughout March to August each year. This can be weather dependent and some birds may nest outside this period, so it is important to always check carefully for active nests prior to cutting.

When can you legally cut hedges?

You should not cut or trim hedges or trees between the dates of March 1st and September 1st without a derogation. You may only apply for a derogation if you plan to cut hedges before any new grass ley or oil seed rape is sown in the Autumn.

What is the best hedge for screening?

What is the fastest growing hedge for privacy?

With growth rates from 3 to 5 feet per year the fastest growing privacy hedges are Thuja Green Giant, Leyland Cypress, Cryptomeria Radicans, and Wax Myrtle. Carolina Sapphire Cypress, Nellie Stevens Holly, Oakland Holly, and Wavy Leaf Ligustrum offer fast privacy with 2 to 3 feet of upward growth per year.

How long does it take to grow a tall hedge?

Hedge fences usually take around 3–5 years to grow to their full size and density.

What is the legal height of a hedge between Neighbours UK?

Require homeowners to get permission to grow a hedge above 2m (6½ft) When a hedge grows over 2m (6½ft), the local authority does not automatically take action, unless a justifiable complaint is made.

Is there a legal height for Neighbours trees?

In general, there is no specific limit to the height that a tree is allowed to grow, but if the trees form a vegetative screen that is limiting a neighbours usage/enjoyment then it could be a High Hedge issue which Planning Enforcement would potentially get involved with.

Can I force my Neighbour to cut his hedge?

You can trim branches or roots that cross into your property from a neighbour's property or a public road. You can only trim up to the property boundary. If you do more than this, your neighbour could take you to court for damaging their property.

Can you cut hedges in summer?

Pruning your hedges in summer means they'll hold crisp and trim, not just for the rest of the growing season, but throughout winter. Monty added: “You won't have to cut them until next year.” It doesn't matter what kind of hedge it is, Monty explained there are certain principles that apply to all hedges.

When can I cut my hedges to avoid nesting birds?

What's the law, and how can I avoid harming nesting birds? As a general rule, try and cut most of your hedgerows in January or February. If ground conditions and cropping patterns make this difficult, then cut as late as possible in the autumn.

Can I cut my hedge in half?

Tidying deciduous and evergreen hedges

You can cut both the height and width of your overgrown hedge back by up to 50% in one single cut, however we recommend staggering this process over at least two years, preferably more.

Will bushes grow back if cut down?

After stems have been removed down to the ground, the shrub quickly begins to regrow. Flowering shrubs produce more blossoms in following years and shrubs with colorful stems, such as dogwoods, tend to grow back brighter and more colorful after rejuvenation pruning.

Can you cut hedges in January?

But as a general rule, it's fine to cut back deciduous hedges, but not evergreen trees, which should only be cut back in the spring. Most other plants are dormant during the winter, which is typically the best time to make any adjustments to their shape.

How close to my Neighbours fence can I plant a hedge?

Hedges are often used as a barrier between properties, but knowing how close to the fence you can plant them is essential. To avoid disputes with neighbors, hedges should ideally not intrude on their land by more than three feet (1 meter). However, there are exceptions.

Can I plant a hedge next to my Neighbours fence?

You do not usually need to obtain permission to plant a hedge in your garden if it is solely within your property's boundary. However, you do need to obtain permission from your next door neighbour if you're considering planting a hedge to separate the adjoining properties right on the boundary line.

Can my Neighbour cut my hedge down without permission?

Legally, homeowners are allowed to trim back any branches or roots that cross into their property. But, crucially, you can only trim up to the boundary of your property - not over on to your neighbour's side. So it's important to find out who owns the of the hedge and where the boundaries lie.