Hedge trimming (medium and large)
Shaping and cutting back medium and tall hedges, including cedar and other privacy hedges that are too big to trim from the ground.
What it is
Hedge trimming keeps a hedge dense, level and within its boundary. Medium and large hedges often need ladders, a lift or a climber, and the clippings have to be hauled away.
A restoration cut on an overgrown hedge is different from an annual trim. Some hedges, such as cedar, will not grow back from bare wood, so how far to cut back is a decision worth asking about.
Signs you might need it
- Your hedge is taller than you can reach safely from a ladder
- A hedge is crowding a fence, sidewalk, driveway or neighbour's yard
- A hedge has grown thin or bare in the middle
- You want a hedge shortened without losing its privacy screen
Good to know
Pruning is shaping individual trees for health and structure. Hedge trimming is shearing a row of plants into a uniform shape. Removing a hedge entirely is tree removal.
Typical cost in Ontario
No Ontario price guide was reviewed for hedge work. Companies usually quote by hedge length and height, or by the hour. Ask what is included, such as hauling away the clippings.
What pushes the price up or down
- Length and height of the hedge
- Access, such as a fence or slope
- Whether a lift or ladder work is needed
- How overgrown the hedge is
- Clean-up and hauling away clippings
Ways to spend less
- Ask whether the quote includes clean-up
- Ask how far back the company plans to cut a cedar hedge
No published Ontario prices were reviewed, so no range is given. Prices are typical ranges gathered from published Ontario price guides and company price pages in September 2026, before 13% HST. They’re a guide, not a quote: your price depends on your tree and your property. Get two or three written quotes, and check whether your city charges a permit fee.
*Estimates are based on pricing in a mid-sized Ontario city. Prices in your area may be higher or lower, so adjust accordingly.
Find a company for this work
Search the directory by your town, then filter by specialization. Every company is ranked by LEAF Score, and no company can pay for a higher position.