A Guide as Bird Nesting Season Ends
With bird nesting season drawing to a close at the end of July, August marks an ideal time to pick up your hedge trimmers and tackle hedge cutting. Between March and July, it’s advised to avoid major hedge work to protect nesting birds, many of whom use even the smallest hedgerows for shelter and raising their young. Now, with fledglings flying the nest, gardeners and property owners can safely return to maintaining their hedges—improving shape, promoting healthy growth, and keeping things neat and tidy.
But which hedges are best to cut in August? Let’s take a look at the top candidates.
Privet (Ligustrum)
Privet hedges grow quickly and can easily become unruly over summer. August is a great time to give them a mid-season trim to encourage a dense, formal shape. Keep the lines sharp and cut back any excess growth that’s shading other plants or overhanging paths.
Box (Buxus)
If you didn’t get to your box hedge in June, August is your next best opportunity. Avoid cutting during a heatwave to prevent scorching, but a cooler, overcast day in August is ideal. Trim lightly to maintain shape and prevent fungal diseases like box blight.
Yew (Taxus baccata)
Yew hedges benefit from one major trim a year, and late August is a good time to do it. This slow-growing evergreen responds well to shaping and can be clipped hard if necessary. Just be sure all nesting activity has truly ended.
Leylandii (Cupressocyparis leylandii)
This fast-growing conifer can quickly get out of control if not kept in check. August is your chance to give it a hard trim before the autumn growth slows. Don’t cut into old wood, as Leylandii won’t regenerate from brown, woody sections.
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
Often used in rural or wildlife-friendly gardens, hawthorn hedges can be shaped in August once birds have finished nesting. Cut back new growth, but be careful not to overdo it if you want berries in autumn—important food for birds.
Hornbeam and Beech (Carpinus betulus / Fagus sylvatica)
Both hold their leaves well into winter, providing year-round screening. August is a good time to carry out a light shaping cut to maintain their structure before the dormant season begins.
Hedge Cutting Tips for August:
- Always check for late nests before you start cutting. While most birds finish nesting by late July, some may linger into early August.
- Use sharp, clean tools to ensure smooth cuts and reduce the risk of disease.
- Avoid cutting during very hot or dry spells, as it can stress the plants.
- Collect and dispose of green waste responsibly. Shredded hedge clippings make excellent mulch or can be composted.
August hedge cutting not only keeps your garden looking its best but also sets the stage for healthy growth next year. With nesting season over, it’s your green light to shape, tidy, and enjoy a more polished outdoor space
A big thank you for your prompt reply to my request for a quote to have my hedge cut.
Clive came out to discuss my requirements. He was polite, friendly and gave me guidance on how the hedge should be cut.. He even fitted me in quickly which meant I could enjoy the garden sooner.
My hedge looks so much more neater and you can tell it has had a professional cut.
I would recommend Clive in respect of Hedge Cutting and I will be back in touch with him to advise on further jobs later in the season.
Well deserved the 5* review 👏 thank you
Julie
Hurst Green
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📞 Get in touch today to book your August hedge trimming.