News

Gardeners Tackle 300-Year-Old and 50-Foot-High Hedges

Published:: 10 October 2024
Last updated:: 10 October 2024

Dan Bull, Gardener at Powis Castle and Garden, trimming the yew trees with a background view of Severn Valley. — Dan Bull trimming the yew trees at Powis Castle, Gary Williams Photography. | © Gary Williams Photography

Gardeners at Powis Castle and Garden in Welshpool have begun the monumental task of trimming the estate’s famous 300-year-old yew hedges. This significant undertaking at the National Trust cared-for property is often described as 'the world’s toughest gardening job.

Originally planted in the early 1700s, the hedges are celebrated as one of Britain’s finest examples of Baroque Garden design. Over the centuries, their shape has evolved alongside changes in gardening fashion.

Initially clipped into small cones, the hedges were later left to grow naturally during the rise of landscape gardening in the late 18th century, a trend pioneered by figures like Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. However, the Victorian era brought a resurgence of formal gardening, returning the yew hedges to their now-famous, cloud-like shapes.

Gardener Dan Bull trimming the yew trees in the Garden at Powis Castle and Garden on a cherry picker. — Dan Bull trimming the yew trees on a cherry picker at Powis Castle, Gary Williams Photography. | © Gary Williams Photography

Each summer, Dan and his team scale the towering yews using a hydraulic cherry picker to prune the 55ft hedges. “It’s a bit scary when we first start cutting them, but after trimming them for several years, I’ve got used to it,” he said. Despite the height, he likened the job to trimming an ordinary garden hedge, albeit much higher in the air.

Advances in technology have streamlined the process significantly. He now spends around 6 to 8 weeks on the task, compared to the four months it once took using manual tools. Previously, 10 people would work for 17 weeks with hand shears, often relying on ladders for access to the immense yew and box hedges. Since the turn of the century, powered shears and cherry pickers have made the job quicker and safer, though still a painstaking effort.

Dan added: “I get a great sense of achievement when it’s all finished, and the tumps are back to the shape that our visitors, staff, and volunteers admire so much.”