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scdettmer69 · August 2022

So, the pic below is of a very old and very established Firethorn hedge. I had to get rid of some as it was beyond saving but want to keep this stretch. However, it is far too high and I want to reduce it to a more manageable size. Guess it’s about 8ft-9ft and want it down to no more than 6.5ft. No idea how to go about it and what tools to use as when I trim it I can hear the hedge laughing at my hedge trimmer and there is no way a hedge trimmer will do trick!!

KeenOnGreen · August 2022

It looks almost exactly like ours, which used to be about 9ft tall. We also cut ours down to about 6-7 feet, as it's easier to cut. We use a standard electric hedge trimmer, and used loppers where the main trunks were too thick.

Once we had gotten it to the correct height, we found that our hedge trimmer is sufficient for giving it it's regular trim. I doubt yours would need anything heavier, like a chainsaw.

They are very forgiving of severe pruning, and usually bounce back. I would avoid doing any major pruning whilst we are in heatwave conditions though, as that will already put the hedge under stress.

Fairygirl · August 2022

The trunks can certainly become very very thick, but that would tend to be nearer the base, so a standard hedgetrimmer, plus loppers, would be ideal for the job, as @KeenOnGreen says.
If cut it back to slightly below the height you want it to roughly stay at, that will make future trimming easier

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