Whether you have evergreen, deciduous, or conifer hedges as part of your backyard ideas, there are simple guidelines to ensure you prune them at the right time of year. Let us help clear things up ...

Hedges can not only absorb fumes from cars, cut noise pollution and keep nosy neighbours at bay, but they also act as a magnet for wildlife – both in terms of shelter and food.

CONIFER hedges have had a bad press over the years but if you trim them several times during the growing season you can avoid the risk of a leylandeii war with your next-door neighbour.

Conifers make great formal or informal hedges. When you shear any conifer hedge, remember to leave the bottom of the plants a bit wider than the tops to get light to the lower limbs.

Pruning conifer hedges Cut back your conifer hedges now before winter By Rhs Advisory 26 August 2009 • 2:34pm Clipping box topiary: this should be done by the end of August Credit: Photo: MARTIN ...

In summer, brown patches often develop in conifer hedges, especially Leyland and Lawson cypress and western red cedar. RHS Advisory service 06 August 2010 • 3:13pm ...

How to create a wildlife-boosting hedge – even in an urban garden Make your cityscape a magnet for wildlife by growing an eco-friendly hedge, says Hannah Stephenson. Hannah Stephenson ...