can i cut my conifer hedge in winter

Conifers should be cut only twice a year at different times. For example, pruning should be done in late winter or early spring when the trees are dormant whereas trimming should be performed in late summer or early autumn when conifers have shed their needles.

Is it OK to trim conifers in winter?

A neat hedge now will hold its shape until spring.

If conifers are cut in the winter, there's a chance that some of the cut branches will die-back after heavy frosts. All types of conifer can be trimmed now including yew, thuja and leylandii.

What time of year can you cut conifers?

Conifers may be pruned from spring to late summer. Yew can be pruned into early autumn.

Is it OK to cut hedges in winter?

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.

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.

Can I cut the top off my conifer?

Evergreens should not be topped, or cut off at a certain height, because this will produce trees that are anything but attractive. Trees that are topped are also at a greater risk for disease and other ailments. Do not prune conifer trees too late in the year.

Why do conifers suddenly go brown?

Conifers lose moisture through their needles in winter, causing them to dehydrate. This is normal and will not cause the tree any long-term damage. The lost water through the needles and the frozen, dry soil that does not provide moisture to the tree roots results in a few needles turning brown.

Do conifers have deep roots?

Although conifer roots are shallow, they spread up to seven times as wide as they mature. Seek professional guidance if you're unsure, it's important not to plant within root distance of drains, driveways or the foundations of a property. You should also avoid nearby utilities.

Do conifers die when cut down?

In their native habitat this is an adaptation to forest fires. If you do not want them to regrow act swiftly after felling. Conifers on the other hand never regrow. So if you cut down a Leyland hedge it will not regenerate from the base, however those resinous stumps will persist, taking many years to rot down.

How do you reduce the height of a conifer hedge?

Conifer hedges

Reduce the height by up to one-third in April.
Thin out the side branches, removing selected branches right back to the trunk but leaving the others intact. ...
Mulch and feed in spring to encourage vigorous re-growth.
Allow at least a full growing season for recovery.

What month is late winter?

When is Late Winter? In my mid-South (zone 7) garden late winter is February. The garden is still dormant but the spring thaw will begin within a month to 6 weeks. The job should be handled before new spring growth begins, but after the threat of severe cold has passed.

How high can I grow my hedge?

hedges are not required to be limited to a height of two metres. permission is not required to grow a hedge over two metres high. action may not be taken when a hedge grows over two metres high. your neighbour may not be ordered to reduce the height of their hedge.

Can I trim hedges in the fall?

Trim the hedge at the beginning of the fall before the weather gets cold if the hedge is not a flowering variety. Don't prune flowering hedges such as those composed of forsythia or lilac in the fall, because this cuts back essential growth and prevents the hedge from flowering the following spring.

Can my Neighbour cut the top of my hedge?

If you own the tree or hedge

Your neighbour can cut any branches that are overhanging into their garden as long as they only remove the bits on their side of the boundary. If they want you to cut your tree or hedge just because they don't like the way it looks, it's up to you whether you do the work.

What can I do if my Neighbour cuts my hedge?

If a neighbour's tree or hedge is growing over into your garden, you cannot make them cut it back. However, you do have the right to remove overgrowing branches yourself, but only back to the common boundary. Any cuttings must be offered back to the tree or hedge owner.

How much does hedge cutting cost?

The going rate for regular hedge trimming per metre will likely be around £2,50-£5. If the hedge needs to be trimmed back quite a bit, the cost can be as high as £20. However, if you charge per cubic metre, you will usually have to add disposal costs of around £35-£45 per cubic metre of waste.

Are conifers easy to remove?

Conifers are shallow rooted so at that size it should be fairly easy. Dig around as much as possible to loosen the roots. Then trim the branches off so you can get at the trunk then you can use that to get more leverage to pull/push it over.

Will leylandii grow back after cutting?

It will grow back after cutting, so cutting 2-3 times a year as previously mentioned is recommended. However, Leylandii hedges do not grow back in all circumstances. If the hedge is brown, new buds will not reappear as these branches have already died.

Will a brown conifer recover?

The brown needles and shoots will be shed and behind them will come new growth. It may take a while, but your trees and hedges should be able to recover. Don't be tempted to prune it out or ask someone to do it for you. ... So if you prune them now, you could cut back too far and the plant will never recover.

How do you know when a conifer is dying?

Dead Trees

One of the first clear signs that a conifer is dead is a uniform change in foliage color throughout the entire crown of the tree. The foliage of most conifers first turns yellow and later light brown and reddish/brown. Eventually the needles begin to fall, leaving behind bare branches.

Can a brown evergreen come back?

The answer is yes, depending on the cause. When an evergreen turns brown, it can be both surprising and disheartening. The good news is that a brown evergreen can come back green as soon as the following year, although it may need a little work to help it through the process.