Cutting hedge down to size

[jackpot]

The hedge i have in the front garden has grown to high now and wish to cut about 30cm from the top to keep it nice and tidy. There was a small fence under the hedge with has now rotted/broken away leaving gaps underneath to the front road meaning litter etc blowing into the garden..

I want either to cut the hedge down as above and erect some sort of small barrier at the bottom of the hedge to make it look tidy and also to stop litter etc getting in......OR
To uplift the hedge completely and replace with a different more compact type with the fence/barrier if possible.
Any advice please as to whats best to do, whats tools to cut down hedge, any substance to kill off roots etc etc

Thanks in advance

 

[breezer]

believe it or not a hedge trimmer works wonders.

I would opt for this as ripping out old plant is a pain (you have to dispose of it too)

why not install a small picket fence?

 

[jackpot]

The hedge trimmer only seems to give it a shave not cut through the thicker branches, i need something more powerful as i want to cut a good bit off it

 

[breezer]

you didnt say that was your problem , you can see the hedge i cant.

use a saw then, cheaper than getting the hedge trimmer / chainsaw thing from black and decker

 

[waynes]

we just used a chainsaw on our hedge, the hedgetrimmer wouldnt touch it

a year later and it looks great and a much better size too

 

[nstreet]

A Chainsaw will to the trick, take a little more than the 30cm because it will grow to the desired height and then you can keep it in trim with a hedge trimmer, it will also give it a chance to thicken out at the top, otherwise it will always be bare.

Give the sides a good trim and then erect a fence made from chicken wire tight up against the hedge. The hedge will soon grow through and you won't see the wire.

 

[sandwell]

What kind of hedge is it, privet? laurel?