Hedgecutting Safety: Protecting You, Your Tractor, and the Wildlife

With hedgecutting season opening on 1st September, smallholders and land managers across the UK are preparing for the job. But before you start cutting, it’s important to ask: how do you hedgecut safely? This guide covers personal safety, tractor stability, wildlife checks, and the best equipment for the job.

1. What PPE should I wear for hedgecutting?

Answer: Always wear gloves, safety glasses, and ear defenders. If you’re working near a road or public path, high-visibility clothing is essential.

• PPE protects against flying debris and long-term noise damage.

• Take regular breaks — hedgecutting requires focus and fatigue can cause mistakes.

2. How do I keep my tractor stable when hedgecutting?

Answer: Avoid cutting across steep banks. Keep your tractor properly ballasted and ensure tyres are inflated correctly.

• Work up and down slopes, never across them.

• Add wheel weights or a front loader for stability.

• Compact tractors like Siromers are easier to manoeuvre in tight or uneven areas — an important safety advantage.

3. Do I still need to check for wildlife after August?

Answer: Yes. Even after the legal restrictions end, late nests, bats, and small mammals can still be present.

• Look for birds flying in and out of the hedge, or fresh nesting materials.

• Leave base margins untouched to provide wildlife corridors.

• Rotate hedgecutting (not every hedge every year) to protect biodiversity.

👉 Read our guide on Everything You Need to Know About Hedging Season.

4. How can I hedgecut safely near roads and boundaries?

Answer: Use warning signs or cones, check for hidden obstacles, and clear debris quickly.

• Always maintain visibility with flashing beacons or signage.

• Watch for posts, wires, or hidden rubbish that can damage cutters.

• Move clippings from roadsides promptly for safety and tidiness.

5. Which hedgecutter is best for my land?

Answer: It depends on your hedges:

• Finger bar cutters – clean, precise cuts for formal hedges.

• Flail cutters – ideal for rough or overgrown hedges.

• Front-end loader mounted cutters – easy to attach and offer good visibility.

👉 Explore Siromer’s full hedgecutter range including the F61 Finger Bar for precision, the U44 Flail Head for heavy growth, and the F50 FEL Hedge Trimmer for versatility.

6. What should I do after hedgecutting?

Answer: Clear debris, check fencing, and maintain your kit.

• Collect trimmings for composting or habitat piles.

• Inspect boundaries and repair any fence damage while hedges are open.

• Sharpen blades, grease moving parts, and check hydraulics before storing equipment.

👉 For more field preparation advice, see our post on fencing repairs and improvements

In Summary

Safe hedgecutting is about more than ticking off a seasonal job, it’s about protecting yourself, your machinery, and the wildlife that makes hedgerows so valuable. With the right preparation and the right Siromer hedge trimmer, hedgecutting becomes faster, safer, and more effective.

Looking for the right hedgecutter for your land? Explore Siromer’s range of hedge trimmers or speak directly to our team for advice on which model will suit your holding best.