How often should hedges be trimmed?

👉 Most hedges benefit from trimming 1–3 times per year, depending on the species and growth rate. Fast-growing hedges like English laurel may need seasonal shaping, while slower-growing boxwood only needs annual touch-ups. Our team can recommend a custom maintenance schedule based on your hedge type and goals.

What’s the best time of year to trim hedges in Washington State?

👉 The best time to trim hedges is late winter to early spring, before active growth resumes. Summer shaping is also common for appearance, but avoid aggressive pruning during extreme heat or drought. Some hedges like photinia or yew can be pruned lightly year-round.

How much does hedge trimming cost near me?

👉 Hedge trimming in Seattle, Bellevue, and surrounding areas typically ranges from $150 to $750, depending on height, length, and debris volume. We offer free estimates and transparent pricing based on the scope of your hedge trimming needs.

Do you remove and haul away hedge trimmings?

👉Yes — debris cleanup is included in every hedge trimming job. We chip or haul off green waste unless you’d prefer to compost trimmings onsite. Our goal is to leave your property clean and clear.

Do you offer hedge shaping or specialty pruning?

👉 Absolutely. We can shape hedges into formal walls, soft borders, rounded domes, or layered cloud-style pruning depending on the species. We tailor every trim to your goals, privacy needs, and the natural form of the plant.

Can you trim hedges on sloped or hard-to-reach terrain?

👉Yes. Our team is trained to work on hillsides, elevated beds, and tight access areas, using ladders, pole trimmers, and safe practices. We’re fully insured and experienced with difficult terrain.

Professional Hedge Trimming Services in Seattle, Bellevue, Kent & Renton

Overgrown hedges? We’ve got you. At Sound Tree Care LLC, our ISA Certified Arborists specialize in professional hedge, shrub, and bush trimming for homes, HOAs, and businesses across the greater Seattle area. Whether you want a sharp formal look or a natural soft edge, we’ll shape it right — and clean up every last twig.

🌿 Get a Free Hedge Trimming Estimate →

Call Us: 206-486-7790

Let’s Take Care of Your Hedges the Right Way

From routine hedge trimming to corrective and restorative pruning, Sound Tree Care provides professional hedge maintenance designed to keep landscapes clean, healthy, and code-compliant. Our team trims hedges for proper clearance, visibility, and long-term plant structure—whether you’re maintaining privacy hedges, property boundaries, or formal landscape features.

All hedge trimming services are performed or supervised by ISA Certified Arborists and follow ANSI A300 pruning standards and ANSI Z133 safety requirements. We’re proud to be a Comcast RISE 2025 recipient and a Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite multiple years running, trusted by homeowners, HOAs, and property managers throughout Seattle, Bellevue, and the greater Puget Sound region.

Comcast RISE 2025 Grant Recipient

Comcast RISE 2025 award badge recognizing Sound Tree Care for innovation and small business impact

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2025 Neighborhood Fave – Nextdoor

2025 Nextdoor Neighborhood Fave badge for outstanding tree care service in local communities

2024 Nextdoor Favorite award honoring trusted local tree care provider

2024 Neighborhood Fave – Nextdoor

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Bright green 2022 Neighborhood Favorite badge awarded to Sound Tree Care for trusted tree services

2022 Neighborhood Favorite – Nextdoor

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2023 Neighborhood Fave badge from Nextdoor, awarded for top-rated tree services

2021 Nextdoor Favorite badge showing community trust in Sound Tree Care’s services

ISA TRAQ badge representing Tree Risk Assessment Qualified certification for arborists

💡 Certified Arborists. Trusted by homeowners. Award-winning tree care in Bellevue since 2020.

👉create an online request to schedule hedge trimming today.

Written By: AJ Flanigan, ISA Certified Arborist

AJ Flanigan

Assistant Operations Manager

ISA Certified Arborist PN-374999A

This page was written by AJ Flanagan, an ISA Certified Arborist with nearly a decade of hands-on experience in technical climbing, rigging, precision pruning, and tree removals. AJ also works directly with clients on-site to evaluate trees, explain options, and support clear, practical service recommendations based on real job conditions in the Puget Sound region.

👉 View Arborist Profile

✂️ Our Hedge & Shrub Trimming Services

Professional hedge trimming and shrub pruning performed to arboricultural standards.

We provide specialized hedge trimming and shrub maintenance services for residential properties, HOAs, and commercial sites throughout the Puget Sound region. Our work focuses on plant health, long-term structure, and clean aesthetics — not just fast cosmetic cuts.

✂️Hedge Trimming & Maintenance

We trim and shape hedges of all sizes — from tight formal screens to flowing natural privacy hedges — with attention to proper timing and pruning technique.

✔ Residential, HOA, and commercial properties

✔ Common species: English laurel, boxwood, yew, photinia

✔ Sightline clearance, sidewalk access, and HOA compliance

✔ Work performed or supervised by ISA Certified Arborists following ANSI A300 standards

Hedge Trimming FAQ at the blog

🌳Shrub & Bush Pruning

Ornamental shrubs, foundation plantings, and landscape bushes require species-specific pruning to stay healthy, structured, and attractive. Unlike hedge trimming, shrub pruning focuses on selective cuts that promote airflow, flowering, and long-term plant vigor.

✔ Seasonal thinning to improve light penetration and air circulation

✔ Rejuvenation pruning for woody, overgrown, or declining shrubs

✔ Flowering-cycle–aware pruning to avoid bud loss

✔ Cleanup always included — we leave landscapes clean and tidy

✔ Work performed or supervised by ISA Certified Arborists following ANSI A300 standards

Trimming and Pruning Shrubs and Bushes at the blog

🌵 Overgrown Hedge Reduction

Letting things grow wild? We safely bring overgrown hedges back into scale using staged, arborist-guided reduction techniques that protect plant health and prevent shock.

✔ Strategic, phased reduction to restore size and shape over time

✔ Selective cuts that preserve interior foliage and structure

✔ Reduces risk of dieback, sun scorch, and stress

✔ Ideal for neglected properties, rental turnovers, or inherited landscapes

✔ Performed or supervised by ISA Certified Arborists following ANSI A300 pruning standards

⚠️ Emergency Hedge Services

Need fast help before a real estate showing, after storm damage, or when overgrown hedges create a safety or access issue? We provide priority hedge trimming and corrective pruning to restore visibility, access, and safety — without causing unnecessary plant stress.

✔ Storm-related hedge damage and fallen sections

✔ Hedges blocking driveways, sidewalks, signs, or sightlines

✔ Urgent access issues for homes, businesses, or construction sites

✔ Real estate and inspection prep with tight timelines

✔ Work performed or supervised by ISA Certified Arborists following ANSI A300 standards

🌸Specialty Hedge Pruning

Looking for cloud pruning, Japanese-style shaping, or detailed formal hedges? We provide specialty hedge pruning for statement landscapes where precision, timing, and plant biology matter as much as appearance.

✔ Cloud pruning and niwaki-inspired shaping

✔ Japanese maple, pine, yew, and specimen hedges

✔ Formal English-style and architectural hedge shaping

✔ Custom height, width, and profile requests welcome

✔ Performed or supervised by ISA Certified Arborists using ANSI A300 pruning standards

💰How Much Does Hedge Trimming Cost?

Hedge trimming costs in the Seattle area typically range between under $100 and $750+, depending on:

📏Number and height of hedges

🧗 Access, terrain, and slope of the property

🪵 Volume of debris to be chipped or removed

✂️Shape or style requested (formal, cloud pruning, natural)

Service	Price Range
Small Hedge Trimming	$85-$170
Medium Hedge Trimming	$150 - $300
Large Hedge Trimming	$300+
Overgrown Hedge Trimming	$500+
Hedge Removal	Starts at $250

🧮 Looking for a Hedge Trimming Cost Calculator?

If you searched for a hedge trimming cost calculator, you’re not alone — it’s one of the most common queries we see.

The challenge? There's no accurate calculator that accounts for:

Actual and target hedge height
Terrain and access limitations
Equipment needed and crew time
Debris volume for disposal or chipping

A hedge that’s 4 feet tall on flat ground may be simple. But at 12 feet high on a slope behind a fence, the complexity — and cost — changes fast.

That’s why we offer something better:
📩 Request a free quote from our ISA Certified Arborists — it’s fast, easy, and based on your property, not an algorithm.

🧑‍🌾 Why Hire a Professional for Hedge Trimming?

DIY hedge trimming often leads to uneven cuts, overexposure, and long-term plant damage — especially with mature or overgrown hedges. Improper timing or technique can permanently thin hedges or cause dieback.

Our ISA Certified Arborists and trained crews:

Use professional-grade equipment and safe work practices
Make proper pruning cuts that support long-term hedge health
Understand species-specific growth habits and timing
Deliver a clean, consistent finish that enhances curb appeal

Save yourself the time, ladder risk, and cleanup. We handle it safely and correctly.

✅ Why Choose Sound Tree Care?

🧹 Debris Cleanup & Haul-Off Included

All trimming includes cleanup unless otherwise requested. We chip or haul away debris depending on volume, or leave trimmings onsite as mulch if you prefer. No hedge left messy.

Request Free Quote

🌿 Types of Hedges We Trim

We regularly trim and maintain hedges like:

English Laurel
Portuguese Laurel
Boxwood
Privet
Yew
Western Red Cedar
Photinia
Arborvitae

Whether it’s a tight privacy screen or a soft ornamental border, we tailor our approach to the plant type and your goals.

👉Learn more at the blog

TALK TO US TODAY

Trimming a Leyland Cypress Hedge:

On this Cupressocyparis leylandii, Leyland Cypress hedge, we performed annual maintenance by removing a few inches of growth. This is needed to maintain the access and function of a very small courtyard at this Queen Anne Seattle residence.
With training and annual care, Leyland Cypress can quickly grow into excellent hedges.

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Hedge Trimming an English Laurel Hedge

On this Prunus laurocerasus, English Laurel hedge, we performed annual maintenance by removing less than a foot of growth. This is needed to maintain the access and alleyways in this West Seattle neighborhood.

English Laurel is classified as a Weed of Concern in King County, WA due to its impacts in forests.

Laurels grow up to several feet a year in Washington State. Spread by clippings and berries, they can colonize native forests.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hedge Trimming

When homeowners search for “hedge trimming near me”, “bush trimming services near me”, or “shrub trimming Seattle”, they’re usually looking for expert advice on maintaining a tidy, healthy landscape. From when to trim to how much it costs, there are common questions that come up. At Sound Tree Care LLC, our ISA Certified Arborists help clients throughout Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, and Renton make informed decisions about hedge care. Below, we answer the most frequent questions about hedge trimming, seasonal timing, cleanup, and what to expect from a professional service.

Hedge Trimming You Asked We Answered graphic

How often should hedges be trimmed?
👉 Most hedges benefit from trimming 1–3 times per year, depending on the species and growth rate. Fast-growing hedges like English laurel may need seasonal shaping, while slower-growing boxwood only needs annual touch-ups. Our team can recommend a custom maintenance schedule based on your hedge type and goals.
What’s the best time of year to trim hedges in Washington State?
👉 The best time to trim hedges is late winter to early spring, before active growth resumes. Summer shaping is also common for appearance, but avoid aggressive pruning during extreme heat or drought. Some hedges like photinia or yew can be pruned lightly year-round.
How much does hedge trimming cost near me?
👉 Hedge trimming in Seattle, Bellevue, and surrounding areas typically ranges from $150 to $750, depending on height, length, and debris volume. We offer free estimates and transparent pricing based on the scope of your hedge trimming needs.
Free hedge trimming estimate!
Do you remove and haul away hedge trimmings?
👉Yes — debris cleanup is included in every hedge trimming job. We chip or haul off green waste unless you’d prefer to compost trimmings onsite. Our goal is to leave your property clean and clear.
Do you offer hedge shaping or specialty pruning?
👉 Absolutely. We can shape hedges into formal walls, soft borders, rounded domes, or layered cloud-style pruning depending on the species. We tailor every trim to your goals, privacy needs, and the natural form of the plant.
Can you trim hedges on sloped or hard-to-reach terrain?
👉Yes. Our team is trained to work on hillsides, elevated beds, and tight access areas, using ladders, pole trimmers, and safe practices. We’re fully insured and experienced with difficult terrain.

🗺️ Service Areas – Where We Offer Hedge Trimming

We provide expert hedge and shrub trimming across the greater Seattle metro:

👉 Seattle – All neighborhoods, including West Seattle, Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, and Ballard
👉 Bellevue – Medina, Eastgate, and surrounding communities
👉 Kent – Residential and commercial properties throughout the valley
👉 Renton – From Highlands to Fairwood
👉 Tacoma – Contact us for availability
👉 Sammamish & Issaquah – Hillside trimming and large property hedges

If you're located in📍 King County, there's a strong chance we service your area. Call us to confirm availability or request a quote online.

📚 Want to Learn More About Hedge & Shrub Trimming?

Explore expert tips from our ISA Certified Arborists on the Sound Tree Care Blog! Learn:

🌿 How to trim hedges and shrubs without damaging growth
📅 Best times of year to prune for shape and plant health
🧹 What to expect before, during, and after a professional trimming

Whether you're tackling laurel, yew, boxwood, or cedar, these articles offer professional insights to help you keep your landscape looking its best — year-round.

Hedge Trimming: You Asked We Answered - Sound Tree Care

By Eric Ledford • July 4, 2023

An ISA-certified arborist in Seattle answers the 15 most common hedge-trimming questions.

5 Expert Tips For Maintaining An Attractive Hedge

5 Tips For Maintaining An Attractive Hedge

By Eric Ledford • June 19, 2023

Get 5 expert tips from an ISA certified arborist to keep your Pacific Northwest hedge healthy and attractive.

Trimming And Pruning Shrubs And Bushes

By Eric Ledford • May 11, 2023

Here are some tips on how and when to prune your plants to promote healthy growth, flowering, and fruit production.

Reviewed by Eric Ledford, ISA Certified Arborist Tree Risk Assessor

Eric Ledford

Operations Manager

Founder, Sound Tree Care LLC ISA Certified Arborist (PN-9290A) Qualified Tree Risk Assessor (TRAQ) NUCA DigSafe Certified

This content has been reviewed by Eric Ledford, ISA Certified Arborist (PN-9290A) and TRAQ Qualified Tree Risk Assessor. Eric verifies that all recommendations reflect current ISA best management practices, ANSI A300 standards, and applicable municipal tree regulations in the Puget Sound region.

👉 View Arborist Profile

🌿 Ready for Professional Hedge Trimming & Shrub Care?

Whether you need help with a Sammamish tree removal permit, expert tree trimming, or emergency storm cleanup, Sound Tree Care LLC is here to help. Our ISA Certified Arborists are experienced in navigating City of Sammamish tree regulations, and we provide safe, code-compliant service for all types of tree work.

✔ Hedge trimming & maintenance
✔ Shrub and bush pruning
✔ Overgrown and corrective hedge reduction
✔ Emergency hedge services
✔ Specialty and formal hedge pruning

📍 Serving the Greater Puget Sound Region

We proudly provide hedge trimming services across Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Kent, Renton, and surrounding communities — including Sammamish, Issaquah, Shoreline, and beyond.

⭐ Why Homeowners Choose Sound Tree Care

✔ ISA Certified Arborists & TRAQ-Qualified
✔ Licensed, bonded, and fully insured
✔ Clean job sites and debris haul-off included
✔ Trusted by homeowners, HOAs, and property managers
✔ 5-Star reviews across Google, Yelp, and Facebook

📞 Call us now at 206-486-7790 – Speak with a local arborist!
📝 Request an Online Quote for hedge trimming: Client Hub

Professional Hedge Trimming Services in Seattle, Bellevue, Kent & Renton