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EDITOR'S BLOG

HEDGE FUND
The value of hedges to turf professionals
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

This week I consider hedge maintenance, the tools required to keep them in good order and which type of hedge might be best for you facility,

In the UK, there are no specific nationwide laws dictating when you can cut hedges. However, there are guidelines and best practices to follow to avoid harming nesting birds and wildlife. These guidelines are commonly referred to as the "Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981" and the "Wildlife and Countryside Act (Northern Ireland) 1985."

See latest amendments to the law here.

The general rule of thumb is to avoid cutting hedges between March and August. This period is known as the bird nesting season. During this time, many birds are nesting, and it is an offense under the Wildlife and Countryside Act to intentionally take, damage, or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built.

Cutting hedges during this period can disturb and harm nesting birds, their eggs, and chicks. If you need to trim hedges during the nesting season due to safety concerns or other reasons, it's essential to carefully check the hedge for active nests before starting any work. If you discover an active nest, you must postpone the trimming until the nesting season is over and the birds have fledged.

Outside the nesting season, between September and February, it is generally considered safe to cut hedges. However, you should always be mindful of local bylaws or regulations that may apply to hedge trimming in your specific area.

Please note that while these guidelines aim to protect wildlife, they may not be the only regulations or considerations relevant to hedge cutting in the UK. It's always a good idea to check with your local authorities or seek advice from wildlife conservation organisations to ensure you're in compliance with all applicable laws and best practice. Cutting hedges in the UK requires careful attention to timing, technique, and tools. Here are some tips to help you achieve well-maintained hedges.

Best time to cut

Deciduous Hedges: Generally, the best time to cut is in late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. A second trim can be done in late summer.

Evergreen Hedges: Early spring is ideal, with a possible second trim in late summer. Avoid cutting in autumn to prevent frost damage.
Flowering Hedges: Prune after they have finished flowering.

Tools

Hedge Trimmers: Electric or petrol-powered hedge trimmers are efficient for larger hedges. Manual hedge shears are suitable for smaller hedges and detailed work.

Loppers and Pruning Saws: These are useful for cutting thicker branches that hedge trimmers can't handle.

Safety Gear: Wear gloves, safety goggles, and sturdy clothing to protect yourself.

Techniques

Trim the hedge so that it's wider at the base and narrower at the top. This ensures even sunlight distribution and prevents bottom branches from dying off.
Level Top: Use a string line to ensure the top of the hedge is level.
Start cutting from the bottom and work your way up. This helps to keep the hedge's shape consistent. Use smooth, even strokes with your trimmer for a clean cut.
Regularly trim your hedge to maintain its shape and health. Overgrown hedges can become difficult to manage.
Clean Up: Remove all cuttings from around the hedge to prevent disease and pests.
Ensure the hedge is well-watered, especially during dry periods. Use a balanced fertiliser to promote healthy growth.

Legal Consideration - High Hedges Law: Be aware of the UK's high hedges law, which can require action if your hedge adversely affects your neighbour’s enjoyment of their property. The maximum allowable height is often around 2 meters, but this can vary locally.

With the Bird nesting season now coming to an end at the end of August, many hedges will have put on some significant seasonal growth since they were last cut.

Which hedge

I, like many gardeners. will soon be busy catching up with the maintenance of many ornamental hedges. We are now blessed with a wide range of hedge cutting machinery both petrol and battery powered to undertake this work. I have over the years had the privilege to use both types of powered hedge trimmers.

Hedges serve to keep stock in a pasture and out of crop fields. They also provide shade for stock and protection from the wind and guard against soil erosion. Hedges are an attractive feature of the British countryside and a valuable wildlife habitat, not just the hedge itself but also any associated ditch and bank. Hedgerows provide a rich source of food for birds and small mammals. They may also link otherwise isolated wildlife habitats thereby creating valuable corridors. Once planted, hedgerows require only periodic maintenance to provide a permanent barrier.

Popular hedgerow species include field maple, hazel, plum, crab apple, holly, sweet chestnut, elm, beech, hornbeam, ash, whitebeam, wild privet and spindle. Poisonous shrubs, such as yew and box, are not planted in stock hedges. Beech is not commonly found in farm hedges, since it is attractive to stock.

Both beech and hornbeam retain their leaves throughout the winter when managed as a hedge, shedding them only in spring, when emerging new shoots finally dislodge them, and it is this, along with their lush summer colour, that makes them so popular in gardens.

Natural hedging and planting of trees on sports fields and golf courses has been popular for years, and there are many examples of old plantations, for example, a line of poplar trees being used to shield between fairways and tees. In the early 1970s, many parkland golf course started planting conifer trees around greens and tees as they were fast growing and provided colour all year round. The same can be said for bowls clubs, schools and many parks who used hedges and trees, especially conifers, for screening purposes.

The popularity of hedges is that, not only do they provide a practical aid in creating barriers between properties and land assets, they also offer an essential resource for wildlife.

Hedges support up to 80% of our woodland birds, 50% of our mammals and 30% of our butterflies. The ditches and banks associated with hedgerows provide habitat for frogs, toads, newts and reptiles.

Thick hedges with wide bases that provide plenty of cover are best, but there should be a variety of shapes and sizes from formal hedges to naturally developed stretches. Hedgerows with large numbers of woody species hold more birds. Trees, particularly oaks, support a rich variety of insects and are good song posts. Old trees have holes where blue tits, owls and kestrels, as well as bats, can nest.

Planting hedges can offer a range of benefits, both practical and ecological.

Hedges act as natural barriers, providing privacy and security.
Hedges can serve as windbreaks, helping to reduce wind speed and protect more delicate plants and structures from strong winds.
A dense hedge can also help to mitigate noise pollution.
The roots of hedging plants help stabilise soil and prevent erosion, especially on slopes and vulnerable areas.
Hedges are living plants, and like all vegetation, they play a role in capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thus helping to mitigate climate change.
Hedges can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of a property.
Instead of using artificial fences, hedges offer a more natural and aesthetically pleasing way to mark boundaries.
Once established, many hedging plants require relatively low maintenance, making them a cost-effective landscaping option.
Hedges with a variety of plant species promote biodiversity, supporting a wider range of insects and animals compared to single-species hedges or conventional fences.
Hedges can provide shade in hot weather, helping to cool down the surrounding area.

When selecting hedge plants, consider choosing native species that are well-suited to your climate and soil conditions, as they will generally require less water and maintenance while providing better support for local wildlife.

NEWS

DISTRIBUTOR APPOINTED
For new robotic mower & line-marker combo

In our first WEB ONLY story, new distributor says they have seen how more customers are now embracing robotic technology to assist with their time consuming, day to day jobs.

PRO DEALERSHIP CONFIRMS BRANCH CLOSURE
Economic challenges and online competition cited

In our next WEB ONLY story, speaking to TurfPro, the dealership's managing director described the decision as personally very difficult but important.

NATIONAL INDUSTRY SURVEY
Turf professionals' views wanted

The GMA says that the survey is a crucial tool in understanding the impact of economic and environmental factors on practitioners and the grounds management industry.

The Grounds Management Association (GMA), in partnership with the National Governing Bodies of sport, is running an industry survey aimed at turf professionals and volunteers.

The Association describes the survey as a crucial tool in understanding the impact of economic and environmental factors on practitioners and the grounds management industry.

They say to ensure the survey is relevant and tailored to individual roles, it is divided into two versions: one for professional (paid) staff and another for volunteers.

The GMA says all responses will be treated confidentiality and no individual responses will be disclosed. The data they say, will be used exclusively by GMA staff and research contractors for industry analysis purposes.

The survey will close this Friday, 16th August 2024.

Click Here For Professionals

Click Here For Volunteers

GENERAL MANAGER APPOINTED
At pro turfcare dealership

Dealership says the return of new general manager will be invaluable as they continue to expand their product offerings and enhance customer service.

Family-run professional turfcare and agriculture dealership, Masons Kings, has announced the return of Dominic Burt as the company's new general manager.

L-R: Elliot Prior, turf business manager; Roger Prior, director; Dominic Burt, general manager; and Peter Endacott, agricultural sales consultant

The John Deere dealership based in south-west England says this marks a significant step in its commitment to continuing to deliver exceptional service and innovative solutions to its customers.

Dominic brings over 35 years of experience in the agricultural and machinery industry, which includes many years previously working for the company. The dealership says his knowledge of the industry, combined with a strong track record of driving growth and operational excellence, makes him an ideal fit. They say Dominic’s expertise and vision will be instrumental in guiding the company through its next phase of growth and development.

"We are thrilled to welcome back Dominic back into the Masons Kings family," said Roger Prior, director of Masons Kings. "His wealth of experience and industry knowledge will be invaluable as we continue to expand our product offerings and enhance our customer service. We are confident that Dominic's leadership will help us achieve our ambitious goals."

In his new role, Dominic will oversee all aspects of Masons Kings' operations, including sales, service, and support. He will work closely with the team leaders to ensure that the company continues to meet the evolving needs of its customers while maintaining the high standards of quality and reliability that Masons Kings is known for. Dominic's strong long-standing connections to the agricultural industry, along with his passion to develop and grow the turf division, will be key assets as Masons Kings looks to future-proof the company and maintain its family-run business ethos.

"I am excited to be returning to Masons Kings and lead such a talented team," Dominic said. "Masons Kings has a long-standing reputation for excellence, and I look forward to contributing to its ongoing success. Together, we will strive to deliver the best possible solutions and support to our customers."

It has also been confirmed that Peter Endacott, who has played a vital role in the company, will remain with Masons Kings to help with the transition and focus on his selling role.

DEALERSHIP ADDED TO NETWORK
Serving range of customer groups

Dealership says it continues to expand its offerings to meet the needs of its diverse clientele.

Bobcat has announced the appointment of Inverness-based MacGregor Industrial Supplies as the company’s new authorised dealer for the Highlands and Islands, Aberdeenshire and Perthshire regions of Scotland.

MacGregor Industrial Supplies provides industrial supplies and equipment in the North of Scotland, offering a wide range of products and services across the company’s 17 separate divisions, including those in forest & groundcare, fencing & agriculture and construction.

In addition to the Inverness headquarters, the dealership has seven further branches in Aberdeen, Elgin, Inverurie, Kirkwall, Portree, Stornoway and Turriff. They say they are continuing to expand their offerings to meet the needs of their diverse clientele.

John MacGregor, managing director at MacGregor Industrial Supplies, said, “We are excited to become an Authorised Bobcat Dealer. Under the management of my colleagues, Douglas Fraser and Keith Bremner, I’m sure the Bobcat brand will be even more successful in Scotland. Our team’s extensive experience with Bobcat equipment, combined with our dedication to exceptional customer service, positions us to deliver even greater value to our Bobcat customers.”

The new appointment follows on from the recent acquisition of Balgownie, the previous Bobcat dealer by MacGregor Industrial Supplies, adding staff with vast Bobcat knowledge and expertise. The company says the acquisition has ensured that they continue to offer parts and service support for existing Bobcat owners.

MacGregor Industrial Supplies has also added a range of Bobcat machinery to their hire fleet and offers a full selection of genuine Bobcat accessories and parts to support customers in its area.

Sponsored Content

STIHL LAUNCHES BATTERY-POWERED SECATEURS
Expanded AS System range

STIHL has introduced the ASA 20 battery-powered secateurs, making pruning bushes and shrubs even easier.

STIHL has expanded its AS System range with the introduction of the ASA 20 battery-powered secateurs, making pruning bushes and shrubs even easier.

The lightweight yet powerful STIHL ASA 20 battery secateurs are ergonomically shaped and can cut branches with a diameter of up to 25mm. The opening width of the blades can be adjusted to two different blade opening levels. Level 1 sets the secateurs to the maximum cutting width of 25mm, and level 2 reduces the blade opening for thinner branches, while increasing the cutting speed at the same time.

The secateurs ensure precision with their effortless cut as the blade movement follows the user’s finger pressure. This means that the blade only closes as far as the operating lever is pressed and opens again immediately when it is released. It allows for full control when using the secateurs, so users can always achieve a precise cut.

Weighing less than 1kg, the secateurs are excellently balanced and sit comfortably in the hand with their ergonomic handle, making them equally easy to operate for right and left-handed users.

When fully charged, the ASA 20 provides up to four hours of powerful cutting performance and users can make up to 2,000 cuts on one battery charge, depending on the type of branch being cut and the diameter of the material.

The secateurs ‘LED display provides information on the remaining battery power, the selected blade opening mode, and the total number of cuts made.

For more information, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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