Monty Don tells gardeners the exact time to prune their hedges for key reason
Gardening whizz Monty Don has shared the exact time people ought to prune their hedges - and why it’s so vitally important to wait until a specific point in the year.
The beloved horticulturist, broadcaster, and writer is a go-to source of information for those eager to learn all they can about their gardens and outdoor spaces. Whether you’re keen to ensure perennial plants flourish, or want to support local wildlife, or simply create your own tranquil oasis, the expert has plenty of tips.
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Known and loved as a fountain of gardening knowledge, Don is perhaps most widely recognised for his lead presenting position on the hit BBC gardening television series Gardeners’ World.
Like many titans of industry, Don regularly shares guidance and advice via social media, often posting pictures taken in his garden, and revealing behind-the-scenes insight into jobs he’s completed to get the most out of his outdoor space.
When it comes to giving the hedges a trim, the gardening whizz has urged people to exercise caution and not cut them too early.
In fact, it’s especially important to wait until late in the summer before taking the shears to your hedges.
Why is this, you may ask? To help protect a variety of local birds.
Many UK birds nest in hedges over the summer, including robins, house sparrows, blackbirds and wrens - and cutting yours too early could put their young at risk.
On X, Don once said spring - and in particular, April - “is the very worst time to cut hedges” due to the young still being in the nest.
On the safest time to cut your hedges, Don said the “best times for birds are winter months and late summer when all are fully fledged and left nests”. In summer, this tends to be late August.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) points out it’s illegal to disturb nesting birds. It states: “Before undertaking work on hedges, check that there are no nesting birds in the hedge, as it is an offence under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 to damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built.”
It does note the work needed to keep hedges looking their best: “Hedges require pruning after planting and regular trimming once established, to keep them dense, looking neat and within bounds.”
The RHS adds: “Hand-held hedge shears are fine for smaller hedges, but for large hedges you'll probably find it easier to use a powered hedge trimmer. Many different types are available, including corded electric, battery-powered and petrol trimmers.
“Their weight is an important factor to consider, particularly if you have a lot of hedging to cut.”
Monty Don got his TV start in 1989, with a regular gardening segment on This Morning which led to further work across multiple channels.
A successful author, he’s written more than 25 books since his first was published in 1990. In 2003, at Alan Titchmarsh’s suggestion, he took over as the lead presenter on the hit BBC show, Gardener’s World.
He’s also written and produced several of his own garden series, including 2026’s Monty Don’s Rhineland Gardens.