As the weather warms up, gardens quickly start growing out of control. Hedges shoot up, trees fill out, and with sunnier days on the way, many homeowners naturally start thinking about sprucing up their outdoor spaces. But before reaching for the hedge trimmer, it’s worth understanding how the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) can affect hedge cutting and tree work.
The Wildlife and Countryside Act was introduced to protect wild birds, their nests, and eggs. It’s illegal to intentionally damage, destroy, or even move an active bird’s nest, which means hedge trimming and tree pruning during nesting season can be particularly risky if proper checks aren’t carried out first. That’s why it’s always best to use knowledgeable garden maintenance experts who understand how to assess trees and hedges safely before any work begins.
At DH Tree Services, we regularly help customers across Surrey keep their gardens tidy while making sure local wildlife is protected.
When is nesting season?
In the UK, the main nesting bird season runs from around March to September. During this time, hedges, shrubs, and trees provide essential shelter and nesting spots for a wide variety of birds. Because of this, major hedge work and heavy pruning are best avoided during these months. While lighter maintenance work can sometimes still go ahead safely, it should only be carried out after a proper inspection for active nests.
Many homeowners are surprised by how well-hidden nests can be. Even a neatly trimmed hedge may contain nesting birds tucked away deep inside where they’re not immediately visible.
Why responsible trimming matters
Beyond the legal requirements, responsible trimming plays an important role in protecting local wildlife. Mature trees and hedges provide food, shelter, and safe nesting spaces for birds and other animals.
Timing is also important for the health of your plants. Heavy pruning at the wrong time of year can stress trees and hedges, affecting growth and overall appearance. In many cases, autumn and winter are better times for trimming or reshaping work, as most trees and hedges are in their dormant phase. During this period, growth slows down, meaning cutting has less impact on the plant’s health and recovery.
That doesn’t mean gardens need to be left untouched during spring and summer. Wildlife-friendly garden maintenance can still be carried out carefully, especially when handled by experienced professionals who know what to look for.
Trusted tree and hedge care specialists in Surrey
At DH Tree Services, we’re here to help keep your trees, hedges, and outdoor spaces safe, healthy, and looking their best all year round. We provide professional hedge trimming, pruning, crown reductions, and tree surgery across Surrey, always with careful consideration for local wildlife and nesting birds.
If you’re unsure whether your hedges or trees are ready to be cut back, it’s always worth getting professional advice first. A quick check can help you avoid unnecessary disturbance to wildlife and ensure any work is carried out at the right time of year.
Get in touch with our tree specialists today to book a free quote or speak to our team about your garden maintenance needs in Surrey, Kent or Sussex including Biggin Hill, Leatherhead and Kingswood. Call us on 01737 215 718 or 07872 615 504, or email us at [email protected].
