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A sunny backyard with a grassy lawn, bordered by a stone wall and a tall hedge on the left. The yard leads to a modern house with a glass balcony and patio adorned with potted plants. A tree and neighboring houses are visible in the background.
A backyard with a patio to the left and grass in the center. There's a wooden fence and a row of tall trees in the background. The sky is partly cloudy. A modern building's corner is visible on the left.

Professional Hedge Trimming for Tidy, Healthy Outdoor Spaces

Well-maintained hedges play an important role in shaping gardens, defining boundaries, and supporting plant health. Sutton Arboriculture provides professional hedge trimming services across Torbay, Kingsbridge, South Hams, and the surrounding areas, helping homeowners and commercial clients keep outdoor spaces neat, balanced, and manageable.

Hedges require regular attention to remain dense, even, and structurally sound. Without proper maintenance, growth can become uneven, overbearing, or difficult to manage safely. Our hedge shaping and reduction service supports clients seeking a reliable, professional solution rather than a quick surface cut.

We often work alongside other arboricultural services, such as tree removal and stump grinding, allowing outdoor spaces to be managed as a whole rather than in isolation. You can view examples of completed hedge and garden work in our gallery, which shows the care and finish we bring to each project.

Overgrown garden with a blue car parked on the right. The area is cluttered with bags, rocks, and miscellaneous items. A tall hedge lines the back, with trees visible behind it.

Hedge Cutting For Control & Consistency

Hedge cutting focuses on maintaining shape, height, and density throughout the growing season. Regular cutting prevents hedges from becoming top-heavy, encourages healthy regrowth, and keeps boundaries tidy without stressing the plant.

Timing matters. Cutting too frequently or at the wrong time of year can weaken growth or reduce coverage. We take seasonal factors into account and adjust our approach based on species, age, and exposure, ensuring the hedge remains strong and visually balanced over time.

A covered patio with a slanted roof overlooks a garden. The patio has a metal pole and the ground is paved with tiles. The garden features a stone path, green grass, dense hedges, and potted plants on the patio. A wooden fence runs along the hedge.

Hedge Reduction for Overgrown Boundaries

When a hedge has been left unmanaged for too long, hedge reduction may be required to restore scale and structure. This process carefully reduces height and depth without compromising plant health.

Reduction work is planned gradually, particularly for mature hedges, allowing them to recover and regenerate properly. This approach improves long-term appearance while preventing shock or excessive stress to the plant.

Hedge Clearance for Access & Redevelopment

In some situations, full hedge clearance is the most practical option. This may be required where boundaries obstruct access, interfere with development, or no longer suit the layout of a garden or site.

Clearance work is carried out with the same care as all our services, ensuring surrounding planting, fencing, and ground surfaces are protected. Where appropriate, we can also advise on replacement planting or boundary solutions following clearance.

A row of two-story houses with cream and white exteriors. Prominent round bushes flank a path leading to one house. The scene includes a paved walkway, stairs, and a foreground tree with green leaves under a partly cloudy sky.
A house with a white façade, partially obscured by lush, green bushes and trees. The sidewalk leading to the entrance is lined with shrubs and small plants. A section of a garden tool is visible in the foreground on the pavement.

Health, Safety & Environmental Care

Hedge trimming involves sharp tools, working at height, and careful consideration of wildlife. Sutton Arboriculture follows strict safety procedures and carries out visual checks before work begins.

We are mindful of nesting birds and seasonal restrictions, and we adjust schedules where necessary to remain compliant with wildlife protection legislation. All work areas are kept organised, and arisings are removed or recycled responsibly, leaving sites clean and safe on completion.

Hedge Trimming – FAQs

How often should hedges be trimmed?

The ideal trimming frequency depends on the hedge species, its age, and the level of formality you want. Fast-growing hedges such as leylandii or laurel often benefit from trimming two to three times a year to prevent them from becoming top-heavy or unmanageable. Slower-growing or more formal hedges may only need attention once or twice annually.

Timing also matters: cutting at the wrong point in the growing cycle can weaken the hedge or reduce density. We assess each hedge individually and can advise on a practical maintenance schedule that balances appearance, plant health, and long-term manageability.

Can you reduce the size of an overgrown hedge without harming it?

Yes, provided the work is planned and carried out correctly. Hedge reduction involves carefully lowering height and depth in a controlled way, rather than cutting back aggressively in one go. For mature or long-neglected hedges, this may be done in stages over several seasons to avoid shock and encourage healthy regrowth. The method used depends on the species, condition, and time of year.

Do you remove hedge cuttings and waste from site?

All hedge cuttings and green waste can be removed as part of the service, leaving your garden or grounds clean and usable once work is complete. In some cases, cuttings can be chipped and reused as mulch if this suits your garden and is agreed in advance. We always discuss disposal options beforehand so you know exactly what to expect. We aim to leave no mess behind and ensure the area is safe, tidy, and ready for immediate use.

Do you carry out hedge trimming for commercial properties?

We work with a wide range of commercial clients across Torbay, Kingsbridge, and South Hams, including landlords, managing agents, and businesses with maintained outdoor spaces. Commercial hedge trimming often involves larger boundaries, public-facing areas, or access considerations that require careful planning. We adapt our approach to suit each site, working efficiently while maintaining high safety standards.

Overgrown garden with a blue car parked on the right. The area is cluttered with bags, rocks, and miscellaneous items. A tall hedge lines the back, with trees visible behind it.