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  briggsandscrapem August 28, 2013 at 10:03pm

  Forget the string line, it comes with experience. Its also easier if you use some decent step ladders and a long reach cutter so you can look down on the top of the hedge swinging the hedge cutter at hip level. Don't try to hard either, just use "the force" to guide you.
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  Benjamin O'Neill August 29, 2013 at 1:26am

  I was taught many years ago when building dry stone walls never to use a string line as (the obvious question comes) "what do you use if the string snaps ?" if your stuck halfway up a mountain there is no spare string so i was taught to use my eyes, again it all comes with time and practice but, stand towards either end of the hedge and picture the finish in your head, look at each end the height and width then take small layers of at first until you get the finish you want, remember you can take of but you can't put it back, given time you will be happy and confident to simply jump in a run through the job. hope that helps =]
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  Colin Hunt August 29, 2013 at 6:31am

  'Eye up' against rooftops, gutter lines etc can help. If you are really fussy and want it right, then using a level, knock a series of short level pegs into the ground at the foot of the hedge, which can be used to place a length of batten on to the height you want.
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  neil aldridge August 29, 2013 at 6:02pm

  stay as close to the hedge as you can for a better view of everything that shouldnt be there.
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  John Buckley August 29, 2013 at 6:22pm

  thanks for tips guys, just treated myself to a henchman tripod ladder, reckon this should help me out no end with the taller hedges
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  Robbie August 30, 2013 at 9:49pm

  Something that could be overlooked, stretching to get just that bit extra can ruin a straight hedge very quickly
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  Geoff Norfolk August 30, 2013 at 10:00pm

  A tractor mounted flail is really effective... if you happen to have one handy!!!.... We used to use them on the council..... never anything to pick up either as everything, including birds nests, was reduced to dust.
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  Peter Davis August 31, 2013 at 1:32pm

  On long high hedges I have been known to stand well back with a 4 ft level. I slide bamboo canes in at required height & check them by holding up the level.
  
  Before cutting I remove the canes & make a nick in the hedge as a marker. Every so often I stand well back to see if my cutting is level.
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  Paul McNulty August 31, 2013 at 9:10pm

  Cut between 5 and 6 feet off an overgrown hedge today, reducing it to about 9 feet. Set the Henchman up to the right height, and just kept using that as the level. Simple, and safe.
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  Gavin Stevens September 1, 2013 at 10:19pm

  Best done by eye with long sweeping cuts. this seems to work along with tapering from wider base to thinner top.