Need some beginner help with Laurel hedge

Hello
I have moved into a new house with a large established Laurel hedge. I have pretty much zero experience of gardening, so want to seek some advice on managing the hedge. Ive learned a lot over the past 12 months but I'm at a stage where advice would be welcome!

So far.. the hedge had a powdery mildew issue, and I have been treating this through the year with fungicide. The situation has improved and Im monitoring the situation into this years growing season where I hope the issue will be resolved.

I have also trimmed the hedge back to shape and control it. One end has been pruned more than the rest as it was quite wild, the pics will show what I mean.

The area Im seeking advice on is this... do I need to be pruning the branches to thin it out? The bush looks quite tightly packed to me and I know this wont help with powdery mildew. I also think by thinning out the branches this may help the appearance of the leaves..

Ill attach some photos, any help and advice is most welcome!

 

Hello Rory, and welcome to the forum.
I nearly didn`t answer your post for fear of saying the wrong thing - but changed my mind.
That poor hedge has suffered ! Laurel is as tough as old boots, and has managed to keep going there - but it needs much more space than that. Being right next to the wall it has obviously suffered extended dry periods, which of course would explain the mildew.
Do you like it? .....if that was my patch, I would dig the whole lot out, and make a job of improving the soil there - then grow lots of different plants, including climbers, to pretty it all up a bit

 

@Rory Goldsbrough Welcome to GC and nice to have you with us but I suggest introducing yourself to members so they can get to know you better, as we're a friendly bunch

New Members Introduction

Lovely pictures and how it's been cut but i'm not the person on advice regarding the Laurel hedge but other members will help you better regarding knowledge but I hope this link will help in the mean time on how to treat your problem

How to Maintain Hedges: DEALING WITH POWDERY MILDEWS | Hedge Xpress