Hedge cutting query

[Alexgbr]

We have had to cut the hedge back at the front of our house due to it going over the placement. Have we cut it back too far or should we cut more? We are not sure if we need to clear more space to promote growth or not

I'd cut it further TBH. It looks like you've cut it back to the edge of the pavement currently, meaning once it starts to regrow you will have to cut off all the nice new green growth to prevent it overhanging. With a bit more off now, you will be able to keep some of the new growth so it looks nice again sooner.

Please don’t cut hedges at this time of year - it’s nesting season for birds. Wait until after August.

If you really have to cut it now, please check thoroughly for nesting birds first - it is an offence to disturb them.

As long as everything is okay, then prune the top as well. That will encourage bushy growth lower down. With hedges, it is also a good policy to cut them so they are wider at the base and get narrower higher up.