Preparing Hedges for Autumn: A Late Summer Checklist

As summer draws to a close, now is the perfect time to prepare your garden for the cooler months ahead. One of the most important (and often overlooked) jobs during this transition is hedge maintenance. Late summer trimming is essential to keep your hedges healthy, tidy and well-prepared for the changing season.

At Elite Trees, we help homeowners, commercial property managers, and local authorities stay ahead of the seasons with expert grounds maintenance and hedge care services. Here’s your go-to checklist for autumn hedge care and why now is the best time to take action.

Why Late Summer Trimming Matters

Late August into early September is a perfect time for hedge care. By this point:

• The main growth phase of the year is slowing down.
• Bird nesting season (which legally restricts hedge cutting) is coming to an end.
• Trimming now gives your hedges time to recover before winter sets in.

Well-timed seasonal garden prep helps avoid winter dieback, prevents disease and keeps your landscape looking sharp right through to spring.

Late Summer Hedge Care Checklist

1. Light Trimming and Shaping
   • Give your hedges a final tidy-up before growth halts. Shaping now ensures they look neat all winter. Formal hedges like yew, privet and box benefit particularly from this approach.
2. Check for Overgrowth or Damage
   • Overgrown hedges can block light and pathways. Trimming them back improves access and visibility, especially important for school grounds, commercial sites and public pathways.
3. Inspect for Pests or Disease
   • Look for signs of box blight, aphids, or scale insects. Removing infected sections early helps prevent the spread and protects neighbouring plants.
4. Mulch and Feed (Optional)
   • Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your hedges after trimming. This protects roots, retains moisture and adds nutrients ahead of the cold season.
5. Book Professional Help if Needed
   • For tall, thick, or awkward hedges, professional trimming ensures precision and safety. Our team at Elite Trees has the right tools, training and insurance to handle jobs of any scale.

Why Choose Elite Trees for Hedge Care?

We offer a wide range of tree and garden services for private gardens, estates, schools and commercial clients. Our team brings decades of experience in hedge trimming, tree care and vegetation management, ensuring your green spaces are healthy and presentable all year round.

Our wider services also include:

• Tree felling and crown thinning
• Stump grinding and removal
• Emergency tree services
• Vegetation clearing
• Fencing installation
• Arbor hire for large projects

With a commitment to safety, environmental care and customer satisfaction, Elite Trees is your go-to team for reliable seasonal maintenance across Suffolk.

Get your garden or site winter-ready today! Book your autumn hedge care and late summer trimming with Elite Trees. Contact us today!

Written by

Paul Thomas