Hedge and shrub maintenance

We aim to cut all of our hedges and shrubs at least once a year.

Due to the demands placed on our team it is not possible to cut all of our hedges and shrubs throughout the summer months as this is when we are concentrating on grass cutting. We will try to clear sight lines and overgrown footpaths following bird nesting season, but the majority of hedges and shrubs will not be cut until the winter period.

If you notice any overgrown hedges or shrubs, then please report it to us. Each report will be looked at and dealt with on case by case basis.

Guidance about complaining to the council about high hedges can be found here.

Bird nesting season

The main bird breeding season is recognised as being between 1 March and 31 August.

As set out in The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is an offence to:

• intentionally take, damage, or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built
• intentionally or recklessly disturb any protected birds while it is nest building, or at a nest containing eggs or young, or disturb the dependent young of such a bird.

For this reason, we generally do not accept requests for hedge or shrub maintenance throughout this period, the only exception to this is for health and safety matters. When required to carry out hedge cutting throughout the nesting season, we will inspect the hedge for signs of nesting birds and will only carry out the maintenance if it is clear that we would not cause any disturbance.

Private hedge

We do not maintain private hedges as these are the responsibility of the landowner to maintain. If private hedges are obstructing the road or pavement then you should report this to Lancashire County Council (LCC). LCC have enforcement powers to either make landowners cut their hedges or to carry out the works themselves and recharge the landowner. If you notice any private hedges or shrubs obstructing the road or pavement then please report it to LCC.

Report an issue with a private hedge