When is it too late to cut hedges to protect nesting birds? Expert advice on legal regulations and keeping songbirds safe in your yard

Gardeners take pride in neat, well-clipped hedges, but as spring approaches, it is vital to consider the impact of pruning on nesting birds. Robins, finches and wrens will soon be busying themselves collecting twigs and garden debris to build their nests, and hedges serve as essential sanctuaries, offering shelter from predators and cover from harsh weather. For this reason, timing your hedge pruning to avoid disturbing these natural habitats is crucial.

In many regions, local wildlife agencies now advise against cutting hedges during the nesting season, warning that even well-intentioned maintenance can have harmful consequences, and, in some cases, may even violate local regulations. So, while maintaining sharp hedges might be appealing, remembering that we share our yards with wildlife is important.

Here, one wildlife expert explains exactly when to prune hedges and when to postpone maintenance to protect nesting birds, providing practical tips on legal guidelines to help you stay on the right side of the law while protecting feathered friends.

When to cut hedges to protect nesting birds

If you are interested in wild gardening or wildlife garden ideas, chances are you will be keen to invite nesting birds into your plot. Providing dense hedging is a surefire way to do this. As a gardener, I have found that dense, spiky plants, such as holly, hawthorn and pyracantha, are always popular with robins and other songbirds. Whatever boundary plants you grow, however, knowing when to cut hedges to protect nesting birds is important.

When is it too late to cut hedges to protect nesting birds?

'The timing of hedge cutting should always take nesting season into consideration, and this will vary depending on the bird species, region and climate,' says Siobhan Shaw, wildlife gardening expert and founder of Growing to Give.

'Generally speaking, the nesting season kicks off around February 1 in warmer southern regions like Phoenix (found in US hardiness zone 10), while up north in places like New York (US hardiness zone 7), it starts closer to the end of March,' Siobhan says. 'Either way, if you are wondering when and how to prune hedges, most people will want to get this job done by the end of February, and won't be able to trim again until late August, when most nesting is wrapping up for the year.

'Some birds have multiple rounds of nest-building during one season,' Siobhan continues. 'Ever noticed how the season starts with a lone quail couple, and by summer’s end, there’s a whole army of them scurrying from bush to bush? That’s because they’ve been busy. And, that’s exactly why you don’t want to go full Edward Scissorhands on your trees and shrubs when birds are trying to raise their young.'

As Siobhan says, the nesting season will vary depending on where you live and the bird species, but the best approach is to get the job done early to avoid harm. If you require a new pair of shears, why not invest in Japanese gardening tools that will get the job done year after year? These Suizan hedge shears, available to order from Amazon, are stylish and effective, with impressive reviews too.

'Big picture? Pruning should be minimal year-round,' Siobhan says. ' With long, hot and dry summers, we can’t afford to keep stripping away the natural canopy of trees and shrubs which is vital for birdlife and biodiversity, particularly when they are nesting.'

Siobhan Shaw

Siobhan is the co-founder of Growing to Give, a dynamic global nonprofit dedicated to transforming community-focused food security and agriculture through sustainable farming and gardening practices. Siobhan is a passionate advocate for women's empowerment in agriculture, mentoring women who aspire to careers in the field. Siobhan also continues her decades of podcasting as the host and co-producer of the health and well-being podcast titled Real Talk.

What does the law say about nesting birds?

'So, you've got a bird's nest in your hawthorn hedge or perched atop your shed, and you're wondering, can I move it? Well, before you do, it is sensible to know what the legal regulations require of us,' Siobhan says.

'In the United States, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) makes it illegal to "take" (this includes disturbing, moving, or destroying) any active nests of native bird species without a permit.

'To be clear, an active nest is one that has eggs or chicks or is being actively constructed,' Siobhan says. 'Unless you have a valid permit, it is both ethical and legal to let those nests be.'

Therefore, if a bird is nesting in your hedge, and your heavy-handed pruning disturbs and damages that nest, you are breaking the law. For up-to-date regulations, check with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or your state’s wildlife agency.

'If a bird decides your porch light is prime real estate, it can be inconvenient,' Siobhan says. 'However, moving an active nest can cause the parent birds to abandon it, leaving eggs or chicks without care. In this instance, you should always consult local wildlife authorities to ensure compliance with laws and to get guidance on how to proceed, but generally speaking, all birds nesting in hedges should be left alone.'

How to identify nesting birds

'In late winter and early spring, you will begin to notice lots of fervent bird activity, the picking of moss and removal of fallen leaves or twigs,' Siobhan says. 'This is where being in tune with nature really pays off. Watch them closely, and follow where they go.'

Birdwatching is made remarkably easier with the right equipment. Try these Occer binoculars, available from Amazon - with 12x magnification, these small but mighty binoculars will help you identify where songbirds are building their nests.

Red cardinals, for example, will start building their nests in hedges in February, taking anywhere from three to nine days to build a home they are happy with. You will be able to spot the crimson-red males picking up bits of debris from borders and pots.

'Other telltale signs? Birds may become territorial,' Siobhan says. 'If you suddenly feel like you’re being dive-bombed while walking past a certain tree - congratulations, you’ve found a nest! Mockingbirds, in particular, can get very protective.

'My final tip is to use your ears,' Siobhan adds. 'Birds will get chattier during nesting season, so if a normally quiet bush suddenly sounds like a heated town hall meeting, there’s probably a nest in there.'

FAQs

Will birdhouses deter nesting in hedges?

Installing birdhouses in your yard is a good idea and will attract some species, including robins, chickadees and wrens. For example, this natural wooden birdhouse, available from Walmart, would prove popular with smaller songbirds. However, some birds do not use birdhouses, including mockingbirds and cardinals. So, while having one or two birdhouses in your yard can help to attract some birds, there will still be many others who opt to nest in hedges.

With the ongoing bird flu epidemic, it is more important than ever to support breeding birds. While it might not seem like much, the best thing gardeners can do is to avoid disturbing nests by pruning hedges early in the year and holding off trimming again until late summer. This will give any local parents the best chance of raising their young. For more information on how you can keep birds safe, see our guide to infected bird feeders and how to keep yours clean.

If you are looking for a new wildlife gadget to try this year, why not consider installing a bird feeder camera? These impressive accessories will allow you to take high-definition images of your favorite visiting birds. Our guide has all the information you need to know.