Question
I will be cutting the height of our hedge (100 yards) from 5 feet to 4 feet.  Can I use a chainsaw and is there a time of year not to do this (in Ohio)?

Answer
Mike,

You could use a chain saw, but watch out.  When using a chain saw, horizontally, in branchy stuff like the top portion of a hedge, the chain tends to get pulled or scraped off the bar. That gets interesting fast!

I'd probably do it with some gas-powered hedge shears.  If you don't own some, go rent the kind on an extended handle.  With those you can do a big portion of the hedge from each ladder stop.  Less moving.

You can do this kind of work anytime of year.  The difference is that if it's done in the late spring or early summer, it will grow back the same season...minimum bare time.  Doing it now won't kill it;  it will just leave it bare till next spring (6+ months).  Any new growth that does come out this year will probably be zapped first frost.

For what it's worth.
Mark in Portland Oregon