Simon Cowell's perfectly pruned bushes

May 11, 2009, 11:40 GMT

Simon Cowell -Simon Cowell asks his gardeners to trim his hedges using spirit levels.. © Janet Mayer / PR Photos

Simon Cowell asks his gardeners to trim his hedges using spirit levels.

The 'American Idol' judge has employed a team of horticultural experts for his £20 million Beverly Hills mansion, and is adamant they must be precise when pruning his bushes.

A source told the MailOnline website: "The gardeners were inspecting each section of the hedge to make sure they all aligned. They walk around with clipboards squinting at the bushes to make sure everything is exactly level."

Workers have also reportedly been asked to pick up every stray leaf from the property to ensure it doesn't look untidy.

Their attention to detail was spotted as the 49-year-old music mogul was having a new security system installed at his home by a US firm who the American Secret Service have previously used to help protect two former Presidents.

The firm's founder refused to be drawn on his work for Simon, saying: "It would be great PR and it wouldn't cost me a penny - but I can't talk about it."

Simon bought the six-bedroom, six-bathroom house for around £5 million in 2004 and is believed to have spent the same sum again on improvements.