Behind the Scenes: Maintaining the Historic Gardens at Kentwell Hall
Posted on: July 29th 2026 • Posted in: Arboriculture
Our arb team recently spent the week at Kentwell Hall in Long Melford, undertaking specialist pruning and hedge maintenance across one of Suffolk’s most significant historic estates.
Led by Rob, along with James and Ben, the team carried out a programme of works that included trimming the estate’s formal yew hedges, pruning the mature wisteria that adorns the front of the Tudor house, and maintaining the distinctive crown-shaped pleached yew hedging that forms one of the property’s most eye-catching landscape features. Working safely at height with MEWPs supplied by TBS Hire in Thurston, they completed the project efficiently while achieving the high standards expected within a heritage setting.
Kentwell Hall is one of England’s finest moated Tudor houses, with the gardens reflecting more than five centuries of continuous evolution. Surviving 16th-century moats and buildings sit alongside the 17th-century Walled Garden and espaliered fruit trees, while magnificent yews, sweeping lawns and the Sunken Garden date from the 18th century. The 19th century introduced the estate’s impressive cedar trees, with further restoration, topiary and planting carried out by the Phillips family during the 20th century. Together, these features create the rich and varied landscape that visitors enjoy today.
When working within a historic garden every pruning decision must consider the long-term health of the plant, its historical significance and the original design intent. Formal yew hedges and topiary, for example, rely on consistent management to retain their architectural form and dense structure, while mature wisteria benefits from regular pruning to encourage healthy growth, protect historic buildings and promote flowering year after year.
Heritage trees and mature planting are irreplaceable assets. Their management is about preserving living features that have shaped the landscape for generations. By using appropriate pruning techniques and working sympathetically within the historic environment, arborists play an important role in ensuring these landscapes continue to thrive for future generations.
Working in historic landscapes is always a privilege, and we’re proud of the work Rob, James and Ben completed throughout the week. We’d like to thank Kentwell Hall for the opportunity to work on such a remarkable estate, and thank TBS Hire for their continued support.
For more information on opening times and tickets to visit the house and gardens at Kentwell Hall, click here to visit their website.
