[doug hutch]

hiya all
          my hedges need some serious work done to them at the moment
          the stand 6ft high and 5ft wide at the top how can i prune them to
          a more workable size ie 4ft high and 3ft wide would a chainsaw be
          the tool to use

[sunshineband]

You might find that a normal hedge cutter and a pair of secateurs will do the job 

[JayG]

Maybe some helpful comments in a recent thread on the subject here:

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=60592.msg704991#msg704991

[WirralWally]

. . . . . . . would a chainsaw be the tool to use  . . .

Please DON'T even think about using a chainsaw.
They are not designed for such work.
A chainsaw can be lethal, even when used for the correct purpose by someone trained to use them.

An electric or petrol hedge trimmer is the tool to use.
I prefer petrol, because there is no lead to accidentally cut through.
The downside of the petrol trimmer is that it is heavier than the electric ones.

[doug hutch]

thanks all
               i will probably tackle it in the way you described safer that
              way it seems

[RichardA]

To be honest I usually use secateurs/loppers when reshaping a hedge. Work steadily, stay tidy and keep in mind the shape you want. You can also adjust for any dead material you need to take out or choose the right branches to cut out or to leave. Be patient and keep standing back and looking to be sure it is going the way you want it to.
I have beech hedges, 8 foot high and 4 foot thick and about 200 yards long, so cut hard on one side one year and the other the next. Privet will look very open when cut hard but will come back all the better for a good cut and then be easy to keep looking nice. Remember to feed and water etc as well..
Once the hedge is to shape and recovering well then trimmers are the best tool as you get a straighter, flatter line.
Never ever use a chain saw.
Take care and good luck
Incidentally if you need practice before you start I am sure I can share my hedge with you for a while !!!!!!!!
R

[mumofstig]

Privet used to thought of as 'common' when I was young.........but I would much rather have privet than conifer hedges at least, you can cut privet really hard back if you need to

[viettaclark]

My neighbour hacked his monstrosity down to 6" stumps thinking he'd sorted it. It grew back with lovely fresh leaves and one year on is 3' high, thick and easy to shape.