Hedge advice needed!

[NymeriaStark]

We’ve recently moved to a new home with lovely established hedges we’re keen to keep. They’re currently a bit overgrown but I’m unsure when is best to prune them or even what type of plant they are. Any ideas?

If the leaves are 4-5 inches long it’s laurel (Prunus laurocerasus). If the’re less than half an inch it’s Box

Thank you! Just looked back at my photo and realised it does lack a little perspective! They’re quite large leaves. I know it’s not box. If I prune in the winter will I kill it?

Best pruned in spring and summer but it’s tough as old boots and you won’t do any harm pruning it now. If you look you can probably see new buds on the stem at the bottom of the leaves, waiting to spring into growth. Worth mentioning that using a hedge trimmer cuts the leaves in half which can look unsightly till new leaves take over

I would wait a while as if you cut it now it will look a bit bare until new growth comes forth in the spring, however you should do it before any birds start nesting. Maybe end of Feb, depending where you are?

Thank you!

Whilst at college years ago, we were told to avoid cutting the leaves of laurel as it could act as an entry point for disease. IDK if that's true, as I didn't work with laurel. I prune using secateurs or loppers, either autumn or spring.

onesmallstep is right. Strictly speaking you use secateurs but if the hedge is any size nobody has time for that! Use shears or hedge cutters and tidy up with secateurs.