Spring and fall are the best times to trime edges, chrubs, trees etc... My neighbor has a huge cedar edge, like 10'-12' high and always trimes it late fall.
As for me, I do all my trimmings in October, just before hunting season. Your timming was perfect and did not hurt it at all.
As for your second question, I would check the City bylaws on that one.
Hope this helps!
Leechman