Cutting Beech hedge

Good morning, I have a very high beech hedge that I need cutting, I normally get it trimmed in September, but this year I need about 3 foot cut off because it is too high! A man came around offering to cut it but said I should do it now (cut the 3 feet off) and not wait until I get it trimmed in September to give it a chance to grow new leaves, but I read that I should get the 3 feet cut off in February when it is dormant. Help please! I’m not sure what to do, either get it cut down 3 feet now, or just trim it in September and wait to cut it back in February! Any advice please, thanks

 

Hello Cowen and welcome to GC I had a similar hedge in UK. It got trimmed in the summer, and every few years, severely pruned back and down in late summer. Your gardening man does have a point about letting it fill out over the stumps. You're supposed to cut most hedges up to 3' lower than the final height you want, so if he took it down by 4' and then the resulting new growth is trimmed in September by 1', you'll have a well-furnished hedge at the height you want.

 

When I do beech hedge reduction I recommend it to be done in winter. It has a full season to fill out then, potential of any new growth if they is any to be had by the frost.

Beech Hedges don't tend to grow much after a July trim.

 

I agree with your gardener. If done now the wounds heal before winter frosts. Give it a feed in spring and new growth comes.
Btw when hard pruning do the top then the side next year and the other side the next year. Keeps the hedge strong.