Can i cut my beech hedge back now, or should I wait for the leaves to actually turn brown?

WIAWSNB

Hi.

This is about what was a sizeable front hedge that I'm taking back to a manageable level. 

Back in Spring I cut its height down dramatically to around 2', and this required cutting through some sizeable stems, often a good 2-4" diameter. I also trimmed back the house side to a manageable degree, but left the roadside alone so as not to shock the plants too much - and they have remained green, and have continued to sprout.

I now wish to tackle the road side, and cut it back quite harshly so that fresh new sproutings will fill the voids come next Spring.

It's still 'green', tho'. Should I wait until it turns brown, or can I cut away?!

Ta. 

fatbelly

We're almost in October. Now is a good time to cut hedges.

I like to do mine before the clocks change

Dustyevsky

Yes, agreed, now is a good time. The farm hedges are all being cut.

WIAWSNB

Thank you, both - I've made a start

Sparksem

I should’ve done mine sooner. It’s always wet now!

WIAWSNB

Sparksem said:

I should’ve done mine sooner. It’s always wet now!

Ha-ha - and bludy chilly. 

I shredded all the thinner branches, and have a huge pile of mulch. And three bags of chopped-up branches and trunks, some 4-5" thick. That's next year's burning...