[John H]

I planted a beech hedge about a year and a half ago and it is growing fairly well. I was wondering when do I start to prune it so it can start to thicken out a bit.

It had good growth this year but it all seems to be upwards.

Any advise would be appreciated

[michael brenock]

should have been pruned last year immediately after planting back down to about 15cms. (6 inches). In the Spring cut it back to the lowest down 3-4 buds so that you get several shoots coming from each shoot you cut back. You must prune a Beech hedge every year otherwise it will go it's natural way into a tree. Trim it back in the Spring in future as growth is starting.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)