Hi Stera, I cannot help but I will be interested in the replies. We planted ours 8 years ago, we trim twice a year, it looks years to establish but like yours it's getting fatter now. Great hedges, aren't they. Just spoke to husband and he suggests cutting into the older wood twice a year but reduce gradually, not too much all at once.

Thanks Dawn. Could be worth trying. There's just the terrifying idea that if it doesn't break we'll be stuck with bare branches...

Yes worrying

Strangely there were more replies, and they have now disappeared!
Anyway thanks to Moongrower for inspiring me to make a start on removing the ivy from underneath it. I got about a third of the way along one side and got very muddy - gloves, jacket and hat are in the washing machine, well rotted beech leafmould is on the veg patch and loads of ivy on the bonfire - hurray!

You must be pleased you've made a start. Soggy and sludgey here too.
I saw another reply too, gremlins!

I feel silly now -I accidentally asked the question twice and the other replies I thought were lost were actually on the second one. Where's Wally?

Haha just the kind of thing I do, we're only human x