Pruning a Beech Hedge

Assuming it's a mature hedge, anytime between May and end of August, probably twice a year, one in May and then again now.

Thanks for that, it is a very mature hedge, i did trime it early one year and it seamed to affect the growth of new leaves. Last year i did it late in September and i damadges the leaves quiet badly for over wintering.

Well the professional way to do a hedge is to go over with the hedge trimmer, then go back over with secateurs and trim back any bits of stem or wood that aren't back to a leaf, also removing a portion of stem with damaged leaves. Makes it more time consuming, but gives a much better finish.