[Hobnails]

I have an overgrown Cuppresus hedge on one side that I have been meaning to cut back to size. It's about 12 - 15 feet high at present and I want to cut it back to about 6-7 feet and square off its section to trim it up.

The books say do this in spring, but with the weather we are having now i am wondering if I have left it too late.

Grateful for any advice before I reach for the saw.

Thanks in advance

[gillie]

Cupressus do not re-grow from old wood.  If you cut it back this hard you will have a very dead looking hedge, probably for ever.  You really have to trim them every year to keep them looking decent.

I would be tempted to cut it down to  the ground, and start again with something nicer.

[TerryB]

What ever you do, cut back or down, please check first that no birds have started to build nests.

[Hobnails]

Many thanks for your advices. Food for thought and I will watch out for the birds.

Best Wishes