Hedge Cutting: When Can You Do It?

Hedge cutting is an important task because it encourages healthy growth of the hedgerow and helps to maintain a neat landscape. But when can you do it?

Regulations for hedge cutting

Under the Management of Hedgerows (England) Regulations 2024, it is illegal (in most circumstances) to cut hedges between March 1 and August 31 inclusive. This legislation is designed to protect some bird species which make their nests in hedges.

These rules apply to any hedgerow growing on land used for agriculture, if that hedgerow is:

• more than 20m long with gaps of 20m or less in its length


• less than 20m long, but meets another hedgerow at each end.

Exceptions

However, there are certain circumstances that allow hedges to be cut during the prohibited period. The hedgerow may be cut if:

• The hedge overhangs a highway, road, or footpath over which there is a public or private right of way, and this obstructs the passage of, or poses a danger to, pedestrians or road users

• The hedge obstructs the view of road users or the light from a public lamp

• Parts of the hedge are dead, diseased, damaged, or insecurely rooted and therefore likely to cause danger by falling on to a highway, road or footpath

• The hedge was planted within the last six months and you want to trim it by hand.

There are a few additional exceptions - you can see full details here.

For more information on hedgerow management see these guidelines from Hedgelink.

Ready to cut your hedge?

If you are planning to cut a hedge at any time of year, you will need to set up temporary signage to warn road users that the work is taking place. These usually take the form of "Men At Work" warning triangles, with supplementary plates specifying "Hedge cutting".

We offer hedge cutting signs in several formats, including metal signs, roll-up signs, cone signs, and plastic QuickFit EnduraSigns. You can buy the supp plates separately or as part of a package.

Need a hedge cutting sign or a sign package? Contact us on 01905 794 875 or visit our online store.