Tree work07884 274693Training01772 369694
Neat, healthy hedges make sites safer and easier to manage. Great Oaks provides planned and reactive commercial hedge trimming across Preston, Lancashire and the wider North West. From formal box and yew to long boundary lines on business parks, schools and utilities, our teams work cleanly, safely and in line with current guidance.
We are an Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor with Constructionline Gold, Once For All SSIP and ROSPA membership. Operatives are NPTC qualified, fully insured and used to working around the public, live sites and traffic.
Need | Typical setting | Method | Result |
Formal hedge shaping | Entrances, courtyards, housing schemes | Handheld trimming, string lines, clean faces and tops | Smart, consistent presentation |
Height or width reduction | Car parks, footpaths, sightlines | Phased reduction, selective thinning, waste removed | Restored access and visibility |
Boundary flail works | Long runs on estates or utilities | Tractor flail or pedestrian flail where access is tight | Efficient coverage and tidy margins |
One-off recovery cut | Overgrown or neglected hedges | Hard cut with staged follow-up to avoid shock | Hedge brought back into management |
Seasonal maintenance plan | Schools, business parks, housing | Spring light trim, late summer cut, leaf clear | Predictable budgets and a neat site year-round |
We start with the purpose of the hedge. Screening, shelter, boundary definition and presentation all call for slightly different cuts and timings. On formal hedges we use tight lines and clean faces. On long boundary hedges we combine pedestrian flails, brushcutters and hand-finishing so gates, signs and furniture are not damaged. If a hedge has grown too tall or wide for the space, we programme a phased reduction to keep it healthy while restoring clear routes for vehicles and pedestrians.
Most trimming happens close to footpaths, entrances and highways. We plan exclusion zones, signage and traffic management where required. Operatives are briefed on site rules and safeguarding for schools and public spaces. All arisings are contained, chipped and removed by licensed carriers unless you want clippings composted on site.
Between March and August we check for nesting activity before cutting. Light trims to formal hedges can proceed where checks confirm no active nests. Heavier reductions are moved outside the nesting window or delivered in phases with ecological input if needed. We can handle TPO or conservation queries and align works with BS3998 and current best practice.
Where a hedge has been left for years, a single tidy cut will not fix the structure. We agree a recovery plan that may include a hard cut with staged follow-ups, selective thinning to let light in, or coppicing on suitable species. The aim is a hedge that grows back dense and manageable, not a quick haircut that leaves holes.
Many clients combine hedge trimming with grass cutting, weed control and seasonal clean-ups. We use a digital job system for scheduling and photo reports, which makes it easy to evidence work, track budgets and keep stakeholders informed.
Get in touch with Great Oaks today. We’re happy to answer any questions relating to arboriculture or grounds maintenance, or provide further info about our chainsaw courses.
How often should commercial hedges be trimmed?
Formal hedges usually need two light cuts a year. Screening and boundary hedges often need one heavier cut, with touch-ups where sightlines are important.
Can you reduce a hedge that is blocking access or signage?
Yes. We plan a reduction that restores clearance without shocking the plant. Large reductions are sometimes phased over two seasons.
Do you work during term time or site hours?
Yes. We schedule around peak times and can work early or late to avoid conflicts. Safeguarding and access rules are followed.
What happens to the waste?
Clippings are chipped and removed by licensed carriers. We can also leave mulch on site where suitable.
Great Oaks Tree Services. Reliable hedge trimming and maintenance that keeps your site smart, safe and easy to manage.
📞07884 274693
✉️ office@greatoakstreeservices.co.uk
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Careers
Climbing, grounds maintenance and utility work.Climbing, grounds and utility work.
Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor.
Last minuteAvailability
Starts Monday 19 October 2026
3 days plus 1 for assessment
£9671 place
Entry requirements: Ground Based Chainsaw Operator and Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue
Book this date, Using a Chainsaw from a Rope and HarnessOr call the training office on 01772 369694
