Grass and hedge cutting

Professional gardeners bring commercial-grade equipment that delivers a far superior finish to standard domestic tools. Whether you need a one-off restorative cut for an overgrown jungle or a fortnightly "mow and edge" service, hiring a specialist ensures the work is done safely, efficiently, and in compliance with local environmental regulations.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Lawn Mowing: Cutting grass to a uniform height tailored to the season and grass type.
• Strimming and Edging: Trimming long grass around obstacles, fences, and trees, and using manual or mechanical edgers to create sharp lines along borders.
• Hedge Trimming: Shaping, thinning, or reducing the height of hedges to maintain privacy and aesthetic appeal.
• Clearance: Removing overgrowth from paths, patios, and driveways to prevent slip hazards and weed ingress.
• Waste Management: Collecting all clippings and either bagging them for your green bin, composting on-site, or removing them for commercial disposal.
• Health Checks: Identifying signs of lawn disease, pests, or nutrient deficiencies during the process.

Typical Costs

Pricing for grass and hedge cutting varies based on garden size, the complexity of the hedges, and your location in the UK. Many gardeners offer a discounted rate for regular contract work (e.g., fortnightly visits) compared to one-off clearances.

Factors that increase the price include steep banks, restricted access (e.g., carrying equipment through a house), and hedges that require specialist platforms or scaffolding to reach safely.

How Long Does It Take?

• Standard Small Lawn: 30–45 minutes for a simple mow and strim.
• Average Suburban Garden: 1.5–3 hours for a combined lawn and hedge maintenance visit.
• Large Rural Plot: 4–8 hours, often requiring ride-on mowers and multiple staff.
• Neglected/Overgrown Site: 1–2 days to bring the garden back to a manageable baseline.

DIY or Professional?

While basic mowing is a common DIY task, professional intervention is often necessary for high hedges or large areas. Professionals use petrol-powered or high-end cordless equipment that handles thick, damp grass without clogging—a common frustration with domestic electric mowers.

Hiring a professional for hedge cutting is particularly important for safety. Working on ladders with heavy trimmers is a high-risk activity that is best left to insured experts with the correct PPE and stable platforms.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

• Insurance: Ensure they hold Public Liability Insurance (minimum £1 million) to cover accidental damage to your property or neighbours.
• Waste License: If they take clippings away, they must legally hold an Environment Agency Waste Carrier License.
• Equipment: Ask if they use their own fuel and tools, or if they require access to your electricity.
• Reliability: Look for gardeners who offer a fixed schedule, as grass growth doesn't wait for "sometime next week."

Questions to ask:

• Do you charge by the hour or a fixed price for the whole job?
• How do you handle green waste disposal?
• Are you aware of the current nesting bird restrictions?
• Can you provide references from other local clients?

UK Regulations

• Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981: It is an offence to intentionally damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built. This typically limits heavy hedge cutting between March and August.
• High Hedges (Part 8 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003): Homeowners can be ordered to reduce the height of evergreen hedges if they exceed 2 metres and block light to a neighbour's property.
• Noise Ordinances: Most local councils have bylaws regarding the use of noisy power tools, generally restricting work to between 8 am and 8 pm on weekdays and slightly later starts on weekends.

Common Problems

• Scalping the Lawn: Cutting the grass too short, especially in summer, which stresses the plants and allows moss and weeds to take over.
• Blunt Blades: Using dull mower or trimmer blades tears the foliage rather than cutting it, leading to brown, ragged edges and increased risk of disease.
• Poor Timing: Cutting hedges too early in the spring can disturb nesting birds, leading to legal issues and ecological damage.
• Hidden Obstacles: Long grass can hide stones, toys, or wire that can damage equipment or become dangerous projectiles if hit by a mower blade.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should my grass be cut?

During the peak growing season (April to September), fortnightly cuts are standard. In very wet or warm springs, weekly cuts may be necessary to keep the lawn healthy and prevent it from becoming too thick to mow easily.

Can you cut grass when it is wet?

It is generally best to avoid mowing wet grass as it can tear the blades, clog the mower, and compact the soil. However, professional-grade mowers can often handle damp grass if the homeowner is in urgent need of a tidy-up.

Is it illegal to cut my hedge in the summer?

It is not strictly illegal, but you must ensure there are no active bird nests. A professional gardener will perform a "nest check" before starting. If a nest is found, work on that section of the hedge must stop until the chicks have fledged.

What should I do with the grass clippings?

You have three main options: use your council-provided green bin, ask your gardener to take them away (usually for a small fee), or "mulch" them back into the lawn to return nutrients to the soil.

Why is my hedge turning brown after trimming?

This is often caused by "sunscald" (if trimmed in extreme heat) or by cutting too deep into the "old wood" of conifers like Leylandii, which do not regrow from old wood. It can also be caused by blunt blades tearing the leaves.