It's a Yew hedge (Taxus baccata) I usually cut mine once a year around now and use a very sharp hedge cutter or shears

Where are you, because it's interesting to know what temperatures it'll stand, highs and lows

Thank you Andy! Location is Santa Rosa, CA. I don't live there yet, so don't know how to describe the climate. We're looking to buy the house. It was 81 degrees yesterday.