Will do (routine)
- Summer – address overgrowth (only) reactively
- Winter – hard prune, address all non-planned growth (weeds, bramble, self-set trees) as necessary
- Under H&S work (interference pruning) where shrubs are blocking footways/carriageways on BA land, all year round when noted or reported to us provided a real and actual risk exists
Can do
- Audit viability of shrub beds
- Weed suppression
May do:
Removal of dilapidated beds where capacity allows & making good.
Winter shrub maintenance is undertaken October to March each season. Ad hoc maintenance is governed by growth, the weather etc. and certain law.
Shrubs are pruned in the Winter season when most are dormant. Depending on the weather they can grow, and this may not be in a form that is as shaped or controlled as they would be in an ornamental garden.
The wildlife and Countryside Act prevents activities between March and September (although it is still an offence to “knowingly or recklessly” disturb certain wildlife / nest outside this period), it is illegal to disturb nesting birds or their nests. Where we are aware of such growth and where it poses a genuine risk (e.g., seriously blocking footways or visibility around a corner when driving) we will assess and deal as is required. This does not guarantee work will be necessary but if it is we would do what is required to alleviate the risk. A photo would help assess this.
We cannot be everywhere at once and really appreciate people letting us know about overgrown hedges, shrubs, or scrub but we take a realistic view that is as sympathetic to the plant and to nature as is possible, so as to avoid cutting while it is growing. There are also many legal considerations about wildlife and permitted actions that restrict what can be done.
We are more than happy for people to cut the odd stem of a rouge bramble growing out of a hedge.
We do not cut private shrubs, trees, or hedges. We do not cut people’s hedges etc. around their properties unless they surround a block or similar shared space. Please refer them to Citizens Advice or an age-related charity where there are no family members or neighbours willing to undertake gardening for them.