Overgrown hedges and shrubs in parks and open spaces

Hedges and shrubs are pruned regularly but the timing and frequency depends on a number of factors, including their location and type.

Hedges

Hedges, including those in parks and green spaces, are cut once a year on a scheduled basis - usually during the period July to October.

We aim to avoid the cutting of hedges during the bird nesting season wherever possible.

We also take action if a hedge:

• overhangs onto a road or footpath, endangering or obstructing the passage of vehicles or pedestrians, or
• obstructs or interferes with the view of drivers of vehicles or a light from a public streetlamp.

Both of these issues can be reported online to us.

Tree bases (basal) and shrubs

Sometimes, small shoots that come out from the base and trunk of trees (basal) can cause obstruction to pedestrians and sightline problems for motorists.

To prevent this, general trees are pruned once a year (during the winter). Lime trees are cut twice a year.

If a tree is overgrown or obstructing a sightline, pavement, road or sign, report it online, so individual trees can be dealt with as needed.