Maintenance trimming is generally carried out between spring and summer. Timing of pruning should take into account the potential for nesting birds (see ‘Problems’ section below) and be delayed until after the nesting season – considered to run from March to August – if there are any signs that indicate activity.

The use of netting to prevent birds nesting in hedgerows and trees allows developers to get around the law that prevents the removal and damage of birds nests, and avoid delays to development caused by the nesting season.

Wildlife Protection The months of March through to the end of July is the breeding season for birds and as far as hedge cutting is concerned is considered a closed season and unless there exists unavoidable health and safety concerns hedge cutting during this season should be avoided.

If you’re clearing out a nestbox after breeding season and you need to remove unhatched eggs from a nest that isn’t currently being used, it’s only legal for you to do this between 1 September and 31 January each year. If you do remove unhatched eggs, then you must throw them away as it’s illegal to keep them.

Hedge cutting and the law We recommend avoiding hedge cutting during the main breeding season for nesting birds, which usually runs throughout March to August each year. If someone is cutting a hedge during this period, speak to them and politely mention the risk to birds’ nests, and the laws protecting nests.

Cut the lowest, heaviest branches back to the trunk if they look overgrown. Because pruning sparks new growths, pruning low on the shrub will encourage the dense foliage that defines hedges. Early spring is the safest time to do this; later in the year, you may snip off new growth, leaving hedges looking thin.

We recommend avoiding hedge cutting during the main breeding season for nesting birds, which usually runs throughout March to August each year. This can be weather dependent and some birds may nest outside this period, so it is important to always check carefully for active nests prior to cutting.

It is against the law to remove most countryside hedges without first seeking permission. Protected hedges are also those growing in, or next to, any common land or protected land, such as local nature reserves and SSSIs (Site of Special Scientific Interest).

If you’re wondering when to trim your hedges, it’s usually done sometime between spring and summer. You do, however, have to take into account potential nesting birds as nesting season may run from March to August.

Bird nesting season usually occurs in spring (around March 20 – June 20).

It represents life, growth, health, family stability, & beauty among other fortunate things. Nests symbolize good karma returning to you for your good care & responsible keeping of your environment. Nests are good luck for everyone who lives there.

Some mature hedgerows are protected by law but this wouldn’t normally apply to garden hedges. We recommend avoiding hedge cutting during the main breeding season for nesting birds, which usually runs throughout March to August each year.

In the UK, bird nesting season starts in March and ends in August. Tree maintenance should preferably be undertaken before or after the bird nesting season. Avoid damaging or destroying bird nests or injuring or killing birds and their young, work out of nesting bird season. For professional Leeds tree services, contact ICS Tree Services.

As contractors, we avoid negatively affecting birds nesting and any violation of the several laws guiding the season. It is a delicate process because it determines the security of the birds and their eggs. Ordinary tree cutters often skip ground vegetation during deforestation, and consequently, ground-nesting birds.

There are strict legal restrictions for nesting bird season tree cutting. To avoid falling foul of the law, it’s important to appointment an experienced and qualified tree surgeon. Experienced Leeds tree surgeons, ICS Tree Services provide a tree cutting service that works with nature and the law.