Hello, My neighbours cedar hedges have overgrown into my property by approx 4 feet. They are planted on his side but have never been cut back. They are about 15-18 feet high, 30 years old, run for 60 feet. Question: If I cut them back to the property line (so I can cut my lawn underneath) will it kill them? what is the best way to cut them back and try to keep some green on my side? will green ever come back if I cut them close to the main stock? Any recommendations are welcome. Thank you.
Might not kill the hedge though. And then you have the perfect place to grow clematis! Just kidding - that might actually meander through and kill his side. Hedges need to be maintained from the outset; your neighbour had a responsibility to stop the hedge from encroaching on your side and he blew it, and perhaps you or previous owner were lax in reminding him. But in either case, if you reclaim your land, he has nothing to complain about. Most gracious strategy is to discuss with neighbour and craft a replacement strategy.
When and if you cut back you can then plant something on your side to screen the permanent cut that looks interesting. Put up a trellis type screen and grow a vine etc etc etc..... Liz
Hi tkerr - My neighbours, too, have a cedar hedge, which I now always get pruned on my side. However, some years ago, when I wanted to put in a new border and the hedge had not been trimmed on my side for several years, I had it cut back quite hard (don't know about 4 feet all the way, but it was cut all the way back to bare wood on my side). It looked horrid but it did come back quite nicely. Since you are in Richmond and I am in Vancouver, I think you should have no problem either. I am not sure about the neighbours being responsible for your side of the hedge (even if you hate it!)...If I were you, I would just get it pruned back on my side every year from now on.
thank you very much for these replies. I'm planning on cutting back but only half way. I should have mentioned the neighbour did have someone come in and trim the tops, however the trimmer guy used my cedar roof tool shed as a ladder. You guessed it, leaks abundant. Had to replace my roof. Ever since no one has come to trim. I realize I should have been doing it, hence my problem now. Thanks again. tkerr
Whatever, exactly, the "cedars" were in the one instance I wouldn't count on a conifer hedge cut back past the green to fill back in well afterward. Almost the only type that is know for being likely to recover from bare stubs is yew.
