This is one of the most common complaints we hear from homeowners across Blackpool who’ve had a disappointing experience with a previous gardening company. The hedge looks fine, but the job isn’t finished — because the waste has been left behind for the homeowner to deal with.
At LH Tree Services, we believe a hedge cutting job isn’t complete until the garden is clean, tidy, and ready to enjoy. In this guide, we’ll answer the question once and for all: Does hedge cutting include waste removal in Blackpool? We’ll also explain what you should always expect from a professional hedge cutting service — and the important legal obligations that apply to green waste disposal in the UK.
The Short Answer — It Depends on Who You Hire
Here’s the honest truth: waste removal is not automatically included in every hedge cutting service in Blackpool. Some contractors include it as standard, others charge extra for it, and a small number of less reputable operators leave the waste entirely with the homeowner, without making this clear upfront.
This lack of transparency is frustrating, and it’s something we’ve worked hard to address at LH Tree Services. Every quote we provide is fully itemised — so you know exactly what’s included before we arrive, with no surprises when the job is done. A professional hedge cutting service should leave your garden cleaner than it found it. If a contractor leaves bags of clippings on your lawn, that’s not a finished job — it’s half a job.
What Does Hedge Cutting Include at LH Tree Services?
When you book a hedge cutting service with LH Tree Services in Blackpool, here is exactly what is included as standard — no hidden extras, no unpleasant surprises:
- Full hedge cutting to your specified height and width
- Shaping and edging for a clean, professional finish
- Collection of all clippings and green waste from your garden
- Full removal of all green waste from site — nothing left behind
- Post-job tidy-up — paths, lawns, and borders cleared of debris
- Advice on aftercare and recommended cutting frequency
This is what a complete, professional hedge cutting service looks like. It’s the standard we hold ourselves to on every job — whether it’s a small front garden privet hedge in Bispham or a long Leylandii boundary in South Shore.
Why Proper Hedge Waste Removal Actually Matters
You might be thinking — does it really matter that much if the clippings are left? Can’t I just compost them myself or put them in the brown bin? The answer is yes, in small quantities. But there are several reasons why proper, professional waste removal is important — particularly for larger hedge cutting jobs.
1. Volume of Waste
Even a modest hedge produces a surprising amount of green waste when cut. A 10-metre Leylandii hedge cut to shape can easily generate several hundred kilograms of clippings and timber. This is not something most homeowners can deal with using a standard brown wheelie bin — it would take weeks of collections to clear, and many councils limit the volume accepted per collection.
Blackpool Council’s garden waste collection service accepts green waste via brown bins on a fortnightly collection schedule. However, large volumes of hedge clippings — particularly woody material — are often too bulky for standard bin collections and may require a separate garden waste bag service or a trip to the local household waste recycling centre.
2. Legal Obligations — Duty of Care
This is the part that surprises many homeowners. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the associated Duty of Care Waste Regulations, anyone who produces, carries, or disposes of controlled waste — including garden green waste — has a legal responsibility to ensure it is disposed of correctly.
Crucially, this means that if a contractor removes your hedge waste and then fly-tips it — dumps it illegally — you as the householder could potentially share legal liability. This is why it is essential to use a contractor who holds a valid Registered Waste Carrier Licence, issued by the Environment Agency.
Important: Always ask your hedge cutting contractor to confirm they hold a Registered Waste Carrier Licence before allowing them to remove green waste from your property. LH Tree Services is a fully registered waste carrier — we’re happy to provide our licence number on request.
3. Fly-Tipping Risks
Fly-tipping is a serious and growing problem across the Fylde Coast. Unscrupulous contractors sometimes offer suspiciously cheap quotes for hedge cutting with waste removal — only to dump the green waste illegally in a nearby lay-by, country lane, or public open space. According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), local authorities in England dealt with over one million fly-tipping incidents in a single year — and garden waste is consistently among the most common materials involved. By choosing a licensed, reputable contractor like LH Tree Services, you protect yourself from any legal or reputational risk associated with improper waste disposal.
What Can You Do With Hedge Clippings? Your Options Explained
If you’d prefer to keep the green waste for use in your own garden rather than have it removed, LH Tree Services is happy to accommodate this. Here are the main options available to Blackpool homeowners:
Option 1 — Full Removal by LH Tree Services
All clippings and green waste are loaded and taken away by our team. Everything is disposed of responsibly at a licensed waste facility. This is the most convenient option for the majority of our clients — particularly for larger jobs where the volume of waste is significant.
Option 2 — Wood Chip Mulch
For jobs involving larger woody material — particularly Leylandii, laurel, or other substantial hedging — we can pass the clippings through our wood chipper and leave the resulting mulch in your garden. Wood chip mulch is an excellent natural mulch for borders, paths, and beds, helping to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. Many of our clients across Blackpool specifically request this option.
Option 3 — Composting
Softer hedge clippings — particularly from species like privet, beech, and hawthorn — can be composted. If you have a compost bin or heap, we can leave the softer material for you to add in layers. This works best for routine maintenance cuts where the volume of material is relatively small.
Option 4 — Brown Bin or Garden Waste Bag Service
For smaller jobs, clippings can be bagged and left for Blackpool Council’s brown bin collection. This is only practical for modest quantities — a full hedge reduction on a long boundary will generate far more waste than a standard bin can accommodate.
Questions to Ask Before Booking Any Hedge Cutting Service in Blackpool
To avoid any confusion or disappointment, here are the key questions we recommend asking any hedge cutting contractor before you book:
- Is waste removal included in your quote, or is it charged separately?
- Do you hold a valid Registered Waste Carrier Licence?
- Where do you dispose of garden green waste?
- Can I keep the wood chip mulch if I prefer?
- Will you clear all paths, lawns, and surfaces of debris after the job?
At LH Tree Services, we’re always happy to answer these questions clearly and transparently. If a contractor is evasive or vague about waste disposal, that’s a warning sign worth taking seriously.
Why Blackpool Homeowners Trust LH Tree Services for Hedge Cutting
We’ve built our reputation across Blackpool and the Fylde Coast by doing things properly — every time, on every job. Here’s what sets us apart from the competition:
- Fully licensed waste carrier registered with the Environment Agency
- All waste removed from the site as standard — no hidden charges
- NPTC qualified operatives — trained to industry standards
- Full public liability insurance — complete peace of mind
- Transparent, itemised quotes — you know exactly what you’re paying for
- Local knowledge — we know Blackpool’s gardens, species, and growing conditions
Book Your Hedge Cutting Service in Blackpool Today
Ready to get your hedge looking its best — with full waste removal included as standard? LH Tree Services covers all areas of Blackpool and the surrounding Fylde Coast, including Lytham St Annes, Fleetwood, Thornton-Cleveleys, and Poulton-le-Fylde. Contact LH Tree Services today for a FREE, no-obligation hedge cutting quote in Blackpool. Full waste removal is included as standard. Call us directly or complete our online enquiry form — we typically respond within 24 hours. Let’s get your garden looking its best.
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