What is this prickly bush please?

Howard Fillingham

Could someone please identify this prickly bush please? It's quite sharp, unpleasant and can sting if you touch it with your hand. I would like to trim it back a bit as I don't think it's very attractive anyway and although I use a hedge trimmer on it every year it's generally getting bigger and bigger. Is there a recommended technique for this?

Thanks for any pointers.

Lyn

It looks like a plain bog standard Leylandii, although I’ve never know one to have prickles on it, I’d have it out at the ground. 

Obelixx

Me too.  No attractive features so out with it and plant something interesting after improving the soil which will have been stripped of nutrients.

Howard Fillingham

Yes it does look like a Leylandii but it's particularly sharp. It may well be one but others I have are not so sharp. My thoughts exactly on the removal though Lyn, thanks.

Howard Fillingham

Thanks Obelixx.

Lyn

Just a different strain I suppose, I’ve removed them all from  this garden now, had a 100’ row hedge, every time I walked past or cut it back I would have arms looking like I’d got chicken pox starting. Soon went down but sore at the time.