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Just a reminder to be cautious when cutting back hedges hard during these times of excessive heat.

I have seen dozens of hedges, including Privet, Cedar and Laurel that have died back during the last few weeks due to over cutting in this excess heat.

Remember that any plant during this type of extreme heat will already be stressed and trying to conserve its own moisture levels.
When the plant is cut back, particularly very hard, it no longer has any self protection in the way of shade from the Sun. Moisture is also lost through the cut portion of the plant and the more that is cut, the more moisture that is lost which adds further to the stress of the plant.

Not only this but the open wounds are more prone to fungal infections during high heat levels which can complicate the matter.

If you do have to cut a hedge in this heat, make sure that you advise the customer accordingly, i.e that there is a risk of die back.
Also try to ensure that you don't cut as tightly as you normally would by allowing for a little more growth to be present, as this helps to protect the underlying growth.

Not all hedges will suffer, much depends on the location, soil conditions, moisture content etc etc

If at all possible try to put off the job until conditions become a little cooler for your own health as well of the plants.

Remember that by reducing the depth of the cut will not only help to protect the hedge but it will also require more frequent cutting which is always good for business.