Cut back tall deciduous hedges

Now’s a good time to prune overgrown deciduous hedges back to a manageable height. This encourages more growth lower down, which ultimately results in a thicker hedge.

✿ Use loppers and a saw. Depending on the thickness of the growth, use a strong pair of loppers or a pruning saw.

✿ Take it lower than usual. As a guide, cut the hedge around 30cm (12in) lower than the eventual height you want, then trim any new summer growth back to the desired height.