Splitting a hedge

[gardenadvice]

We have a huge wide hedge which is taking over the garden and needs thinning by half at least. When is the best time of year to do this and how awful will it look after? It's evergreen mainly laurel and privet and other stuff

Late spring/ early summer would be best. It may look worse for wear initially but laurel can be hard pruned and soon rejuvenates.

I would say late autumn and again in mid-March. Nesting birds will thank you and for any berries left in. Hard end of autumn and trim March.

I've just googled. Get the shears out now, otherwise late winter

And don't do both sides the same year. You can cut one side virtually back to the trunks.

I agree with just doing one side at a time. I’d do it when it can actively grow straight away but you also need to bear nesting birds in mind.

So do it now? We only have one side the other is on the neighbours side

Looking at bird nesting season of feb to aug, I’d say yes. If you do it now it might sprout a bit before winter. Or it might not.