A tidy hedge depends on timing. Cut too early and you’ll lose fresh growth. Place it too late and your hedge can turn thin, patchy, or unruly.
Knowing when to trim hedges is key, and the answer changes with the type. Box, beech and laurel hedges all have their own ideal trimming windows, and getting it right keeps them dense, healthy and easy to shape.
So, when’s the best time to reach for the shears? Here’s a clear guide to when to trim box, beech and laurel hedges, plus tips on what to avoid in colder months.
When to Trim Box Hedges
The best time to trim box hedges is twice a year: once in late spring, after the fresh growth has hardened, and again in late summer to keep the hedge dense and even. This routine encourages strong, compact growth and helps your hedge hold its shape through the seasons.
Because box is slow growing, timing matters. Cut too early and you take away tender shoots before they have a chance to strengthen. Leave it too late and the hedge can lose its sharp outline, which makes it harder to bring back into shape.
Winter trimming should be kept to a minimum. A light clip here and there won’t cause problems, but heavy pruning at this time often leaves bare patches that sit exposed until spring growth returns.
For small touch-ups or when you are shaping box into topiary, we recommend the EGO CHT2001E grass and shrub shear. It’s a compact tool that gives you the precision you need without putting strain on the plant.
In short: Trim twice a year, late spring and late summer.
When to Trim Beech Hedges
Beech hedges are usually trimmed once a year in late summer. Cutting at this time helps the hedge keep its dense shape and also encourages it to hold on to its coppery leaves through winter, which is part of its appeal.
Some gardeners also give beech a light trim in spring to tidy up early growth, but the main cut in August is the one that matters. Leave it much later and the new shoots may not harden off before frost, which can leave the hedge looking patchy.
Winter isn’t a good time for beech. A heavy cut then can strip the hedge back too far, leaving it bare until the following season. If you need to tidy up, keep it light.
For taller runs of beech, we recommend the EGO HT2410E hedge trimmer with its 61cm blade, which is long enough to cover more hedge in fewer passes while still giving a precise cut.
In short: Trim once a year in late summer, with a light spring tidy if needed.
When to Trim Laurel Hedges
Laurel grows quickly, so it usually needs two trims a year to stay in check. The first cut in late spring tidies up the strong flush of growth, and a second in late summer keeps the hedge thick and even going into autumn.
Unlike box or beech, laurel’s large, glossy leaves can show every cut. Sharp tools are essential if you want to avoid ragged edges that spoil the look. Trim too early and you’ll clip off soft shoots before they harden. Leave it too late and frost can catch the fresh growth.
Winter is best avoided. Heavy cuts in the cold can scar the leaves and leave bare gaps that stand out against the evergreen foliage. For tall, established laurel screens, we recommend the EGO HT2600E hedge trimmer, which has the blade length and speed to handle thicker branches cleanly.
In short: Trim twice a year, late spring and late summer.
Can You Trim Hedges in Winter?
You can trim hedges lightly in winter, but avoid heavy cuts. Cold weather slows recovery, and strong pruning at this time often leaves bare patches that won’t fill until spring.
If a branch is sticking out or spoiling the line, a quick snip is fine, but save the main trim for late spring or summer when new growth is strong. Sharp, clean blades are essential to avoid tearing
For most gardeners, EGO’s range of cordless hedge trimmers are the simplest way to get neat, precise cuts without fuss.
Tips for Healthier Hedges
Trimming at the right time is only half the job. Your hedge will only stay healthy if your tools are sharp, clean and well cared for. Rough or dirty blades can tear foliage, spread disease and undo your hard work. These habits will keep your hedges strong and your trimmer working smoothly.
- Use sharp blades. Blunt tools can tear rather than cut, leaving ragged edges that take longer to heal.
- Avoid trimming in frost or strong sun. Both can scorch or damage fresh growth.
- Feed and water after cutting. A light feed helps hedges bounce back and put on strong new shoots.
- Keep up with light tidies. Snipping back odd shoots between main trims makes the bigger jobs easier.
- Disinfect after each trim. Wiping blades with a mild disinfectant or diluted bleach solution helps prevent the spread of fungal diseases between plants.
- Clean and oil your trimmer. Regular maintenance keeps blades moving smoothly, extending tool life and ensuring every cut stays precise.
Caring for your trimmer is as important as caring for your plants. Clean, oiled blades make every cut faster and kinder, while regular sharpening extends the life of your tool. For a full step-by-step guide to blade cleaning, sharpening and lubrication, read EGO’s hedge trimmer blade maintenance guide.
The Key to Healthy, Neat Hedges
Box, beech and laurel hedges each have their own best trimming seasons, and sticking to those timings makes all the difference. Late spring and late summer are the moments to reach for the shears, while winter is a time for light tidies only.
By cutting at the right time, you’ll keep your hedges dense, healthy and looking sharp from season to season. And with the help of cordless hedge trimmers, every cut is cleaner, quicker and kinder to the plant. Trim at the right times, and your hedges will reward you with strong growth, glossy leaves, and a crisp outline that lasts all year.