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Trimming very tall hedge

mg_hannahmg_hannah Posts: 3
in Tools and techniques

I am looking for some advice on how to tackle a tall Beech hedge.

It is currently about 15ft high and I would like to reduce it down to about 9ft.

My garden is on a slope and isn't especially level. so I am wondering how best to reach the top? (A step-ladder isn't high  enough).

Someone has suggested a ladder with a 6ft wooden beam tied to the top horizontally to spread the weight might work.

Any suggestions?

Last edited: 16 February 2018 12:18:28

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Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147

    Contact your local tool hire businesses and tell them what you want to do ... there are lots of solutions available ... 

    Here are some ideas

    https://www.ladders-999.co.uk/garden-ladders?limit=all 


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • hogweedhogweed Posts: 4,053

    Or get someone in to do the first cut so it is at a more manageable height for you to do in the future?

    'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
  • LiriodendronLiriodendron Posts: 8,328

    Hogweed's suggestion could be a good one... it's ever so easy to fall off a ladder cutting a hedge.  I know, I've done it...  image

    Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
  • mg_hannahmg_hannah Posts: 3

    It's not an option sadly - we have had a few quotes and it is too expensive for us at the moment.

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090

    In that case, treat yourselves to a good pruning saw and a short and long handle (see Wolf system at the garden centre) and do it yourselves but starting lower down.  6' should be comfortable and it will regrow and then be maintainable at a height you can reach without risking your neck or legs.

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147

    So ... hire some equipment and do it safely .......... tying ladders and beams sounds a bit Heath Robinson image ... don't forget you'll be wielding a bladed (and possibly powered) implement ... wobbling around in an unsafe manner at height just mustn't be an option.  Your safety is the most important thing. image

    Edited to add:  I posted the above before I saw Obelixx's post ... hers is a very sensible solution.  

    Don't forget, hedges regrow ... severed limbs and digits don't! 

    Last edited: 16 February 2018 14:30:47


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • mg_hannahmg_hannah Posts: 3

    Thanks for the advice - I do have a small 9" chainsaw type pruner on a pole - also with a hedge trimming attachment. That's a good idea - I might bring it down to 6' or so.

  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494

    If it's a long hedge, take it slowly and take care of your neck and shoulders. I know, I've ben there!

    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • owen_wowen_w Posts: 3

    Found some ladders designed especially for trimming hedges: https://www.henchman.co.uk/tripod-ladders-for-hedge-trimming.html

    Last edited: 21 February 2018 11:12:16

  • treehugger80treehugger80 Posts: 1,923

    i used to have a pole saw with a chainsaw on the end, would work wonders on a hedge like that,

    i would take it lower than 9 feet (maybe 6) and let it regrow that way you can cut it using a hedge cutter and not worry about clipping the old stumps inside the hedge

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