March marks the transition from winter to spring, making it a key time for garden maintenance. If your hedges are looking untidy after winter, you might be wondering whether now is the right time to trim them.
The good news is that some hedges benefit from a March trim, helping them grow neatly throughout the year. However, certain species should be left alone, and there are important wildlife protection laws to consider before you start cutting.
Let’s take a look at what you can and can’t trim in March to keep your hedges healthy while staying within UK regulations.
Can You Trim Hedges in March?
✅ Yes, but with caution! March is a transitional month, and whether you should trim depends on:
- The type of hedge (fast-growing vs slow-growing species).
- The nesting season for birds (which begins in March).
- How much shaping or reduction is needed (light trimming vs heavy pruning).
General rule: Light maintenance trims are fine, but major pruning should be avoided, especially after mid-March when birds start nesting.
Hedges You Can Trim in March
Some hedges respond well to early spring pruning, helping them grow thicker and healthier for the season ahead.
✅ Evergreen Hedges (Light Trimming Only)
- Box (Buxus) – Lightly shape to maintain form before new growth starts.
- Privet (Ligustrum) – Can be trimmed to keep a neat shape but avoid cutting too aggressively.
- Yew (Taxus baccata) – Responds well to light trimming in early spring.
- Lonicera (Shrubby Honeysuckle) – Can handle a gentle cut to keep it tidy.
🌿 Tip: March is the latest you should trim box hedging before summer to prevent box blight risk in damp conditions.
✅ Fast-Growing Hedges (Maintenance Trims Only)
- Leylandii (Cupressocyparis leylandii) – Can be trimmed lightly in March but avoid cutting into old wood.
- Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) – Trim stray shoots but leave heavy cutting until later in the season.
🌿 Tip: With fast-growing hedges, trimming early and often (rather than a drastic cut) helps maintain a neat shape year-round.
Hedges You Should NOT Cut in March
Some hedges should not be pruned in March, either because of nesting birds or to avoid damaging new spring growth.
❌ Do NOT Trim If Birds Are Nesting
- The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 makes it illegal to intentionally disturb nesting birds.
- Nesting season typically runs from March to August, so always check for active nests before cutting.
- If you see birds flying in and out of a hedge, wait until nesting is over before trimming.
❌ Avoid Cutting Flowering Hedges Until After Blooming
- Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) – Leave it until after the May blossom.
- Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) – Flowers in early spring, so avoid cutting now.
- Escallonia – Wait until after its first flush of flowers in summer.
- Forsythia – Prune after flowering in late spring/early summer.
🌿 Tip: If you trim these hedges too early, you’ll lose this year’s flowers—which are essential for pollinators.
Can You Do Hard Pruning in March?
🚫 Major hedge reductions should wait!
- Hard pruning (cutting back old wood) is best done in winter (Jan-Feb) for deciduous hedges or late summer/autumn for evergreens.
- March is too late for drastic cuts—sap is rising, and birds are beginning to nest.
- Cutting too aggressively now can stress the hedge and weaken regrowth.
🌿 Tip: If a hedge is overgrown and needs serious reduction, plan for late summer (evergreens) or winter (deciduous hedges) instead.
The Best Way to Trim Hedges in March
If your hedge is safe to trim in March, follow these best practices for a healthy, tidy finish:
✅ Check for birds’ nests before starting (wait if nesting has begun).
✅ Use sharp tools (dull blades can tear leaves, increasing disease risk).
✅ Avoid cutting into old wood (especially for leylandii and other conifers).
✅ Trim lightly to encourage bushy growth, rather than removing large sections.
✅ Shape hedges with a slight taper (wider base, narrower top) for even light exposure.
✅ Clear away trimmings to keep the area tidy and prevent rot or disease.
🌿 Tip: If you’re unsure whether to cut, leave it until after summer nesting season—hedges will still grow fine without an early trim!
Summary: What You Can & Can’t Trim in March
| Hedge Type | Trim in March? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Box, Privet, Yew, Lonicera | ✅ Light trim | Avoid deep pruning. |
| Leylandii, Laurel | ✅ Light trim | Only for shaping. |
| Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Forsythia | ❌ No | Wait until after flowering. |
| Bird Nesting Hedges | ❌ No | Always check for active nests. |
| Overgrown or Major Reductions | ❌ No | Best left for winter or late summer. |
Need Professional Hedge Trimming?
If you need help keeping your hedges neat, healthy, and within legal guidelines, Project Garden is here to help!
✅ Expert hedge trimming & shaping
✅ Safe, eco-friendly approach
✅ Compliance with UK wildlife protection laws
✅ One-off trims or regular maintenance
📞 Call 07795 800 772
📧 Email info@projectgarden.co.uk
🌿 Book your March hedge trim today and keep your garden looking its best!