What kind of hedge is it? Some recover nicely, others do not and will forever look awful.

as Bathgate says which conifer is it? most conifers don't green up again if you cut too far into the wood. if you don't take anything off the sides it should be ok.

I don't know what kind it is its a light green with dark green speckles, and there are 8 trees together about 2ft 6in wide for about 20ft. It was planted about 25 years ago. sorry that all I know. Thank you anyway, Trevor

Can you post a picture or two? That would be a big help - helping us help you.

If its a leylandii it will be OK. If you cut the main trunk back the sides will grow up round it and you can then keep them trimmed at the height you want. The thing to remember is that if you cut all the green off the side it will never green up again. It just looks a bit odd before the side branches have moved to be vertical.

Hi pictures on the way when its light, thank you

Hi Bathgate Three pictures for you.

I would say that it is a Thuja plicata but only a guess. I would remove the top 1ft for the time being and then if it regenerates well then another 1ft in the spring. If you intend to do it, don't leave it much longer as it will start to regenerate with softer shoots which might be damaged if we get a hard winter.

Hi Jimmytheone, Thank you for that with out sounding silly what is the right time of year for pruning conifers? if there is one.

Looks like C. leylandii to me, and it already has brown patches as if it has been cut too far back at the sides. As Steragram says, it's fine to reduce the height now.

Pathumwan, I would do it now but usually I would go for pruning conifers in springtime as stated in my previous posting. N.B. Thuja have aromatic, fruity foliage when brushed against.

Hi Jimmytheon, Thanks for that it has got a aromatic, fruity foliage and I will start pruning Monday .Trevor