Hedge Care

Quick Answer The best cordless hedge trimmer for most UK gardens is the Ryobi OHT1855R ONE+ for everyday domestic use, the Ryobi OHT1850X for hard-to-reach hedges and taller boundaries, and the STIHL HSA 56 if you want premium build quality and are prepared to pay for it. I have used Ryobi ONE+ tools extensively in […]

RHS-qualified designer Lee Burkhill’s complete guide to pruning box hedges in the UK. When to prune, the batter profile, box blight prevention, renovation pruning, topiary and the best box alternatives.

Quick Answer Most conifers cannot regenerate from old brown wood, which means once they outgrow their space, your options are limited to careful staged reduction, acceptance and maintenance, or removal. Unlike deciduous hedges and shrubs, conifers cannot be cut back to bare wood and expected to recover. Understanding this biological reality before deciding how to […]

Quick Answer The fastest growing hedges in the UK include hawthorn, blackthorn, privet, cherry laurel and photinia, all growing 40 to 60cm per year. For the best long-term results however, a mixed native hedge of hawthorn, blackthorn, hazel, field maple and dog rose will grow just as fast, requires far less maintenance, supports far more […]

Why Is My Laurel Hedge Dying? Complete UK Diagnosis GuideWhy Is My Laurel Hedge Dying? Complete UK Diagnosis Guide Quick Answer A dying laurel hedge is most commonly caused by waterlogged or compacted soil, drought stress, shot hole disease, frost damage or incorrect pruning technique. In most cases the hedge can be rescued by improving […]

I have seen box hedges go from perfectly clipped and healthy to completely defoliated within a single season, and I have also seen plants that looked near-dead make a full recovery with the right care. Whether you are dealing with a beloved parterre, a row of box balls in pots, or a formal edging hedge […]

The shift from petrol-powered to cordless battery-powered garden tools has been one of the most significant changes in UK domestic gardening over the last decade. When I started in garden design, petrol was the professional standard and battery tools were the weak compromise you gave to someone who did not know better. That is completely […]

Before we roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty, let me give you the essential information you need to know about planting hedges. I’ve spent over thirty years working with hedges in gardens across the country, from exposed coastal sites to sheltered urban plots. These are the fundamentals that will determine whether your […]

Pruning conifers is an essential task to maintain the health, shape, and overall appearance of your garden hedges and trees. However, there are a few major flaws in cutting back conifers without proper knowledge, which can result in dead, brown, or dried-out conifers and hedges. Cutting back to old wood is a no-no for all […]

Whether you have just planted a hedge or inherited one in your garden, this guide will show you how to efficiently cut a hedge. Ignore those fears that cutting a hedge is a full weekend of drama. It really doesn’t have to be with the correct technique and tools. Hedges provide our gardens with a […]