You can completely rejuvenate them by cutting the branches down to 4-6 inches from the ground in late March. Once they get to the height you want trim them in a keystone shape. In other words make sure the lower part of the shrub is wider than the top.
How do I make my hedge thicker?
Hedges are formed from upward growing plants, so to encourage a thick hedge the growth tips need to be removed. This encourages the laterals to develop. And clipping the laterals encourages them to also become dense with foliage.
How do you prune privet to encourage growth?
Pruning them back 6 to 8 inches from the ground in early spring as new growth begins promotes branching at the base of the plant and encourages root growth to help new privet shrubs establish themselves in your garden. Every time your privets put on a foot of new growth, trim them back 6 inches.
What fertilizer is good for privet hedge?
A 15-5-10 fertiliser is best for privets, and don’t forget to water your hedge well after fertilising to ensure the product sinks in and reaches root-level.
How do I fix my leggy privet hedge? – Related Questions
How do you make a privet bushier?
For privet hedges, it is best to trim at least twice a year between May and August. This is to maximise the chances of growth and make your shrub stronger throughout winter months. Put simply, the more you trim your privet hedge, the thicker and denser it becomes.
When should I fertilize my privet hedge?
Privets grow best in soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0-7.0. Fertilizing should be done once a year in the spring as the new growth starts and just before the flowers break bud. A granular slow-release fertilizer will provide the nutrients the roots need throughout the growing season.
Do privet hedges need fertilizer?
Privets are hardy and only need fertilization if the leaves show signs of paling, or if you aren’t satisfied with the shrubs’ growth rates. Unnecessary fertilization of shrubs can leach nitrogen into surrounding waterways and pollute groundwater.
What do you feed privets?
For privets, the National Gardening Association recommends using a 15-5-10 general purpose fertilizer, or any other fertilizer with a similar nutrient ratio. If using a 15-5-10 product, spread it at a rate of 3.3 pounds per 500 square feet of gardening space.
How much fertilizer do I need for privet?
Granular, liquid or stake type fertilizers can be used. Granular types should be worked into the soil around the plant at a rate of 2 pounds or 2 pints per 100 square feet of planting bed.
How do you rejuvenate a privet hedge?
To rejuvenate a privet hedge, cut the entire hedge back to within 12 inches (31 cm.) of the ground. Do this in late winter. The shrubs re-sprout after being cut back hard.
When should you not cut a privet hedge?
From there on, for every new foot of growth, trim back six inches. Cease trimming in late summer as not to encourage fall growth, which can lead to winter damage. When should you prune a privet hedge? Privet hedge pruning is performed in late winter.
How far back can you cut a privet hedge?
You can cut the hedge back approximately within 30m of the ground. Any further and you may end up with a plant that cannot grow back at all. Be sure to feed the hedges after with fertiliser and mulch, while keeping it significantly hydrated.
Can you trim privet in the fall?
Yes, take advantage of whatever good weather is left for us this year to prune privets and most other trees and shrubs. Deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs are dormant now and this is an ideal time to prune most of them.
What kills privet hedges?
The most common hedge killer is Honey Fungus (Armillaria). Honey Fungus spreads through the soil and feeds on roots. Privet hedges are especially susceptible to Honey Fungus. To lower the risk of infection, avoid damp soil conditions when watering and provide good drainage.
Is October too late to trim hedges?
DON’T prune during fall.
No matter what type of shrub you have, fall pruning can stimulate late-season growth that may not have enough time to harden. This can weaken and damage the plant—especially if there’s an early frost. Instead, wait until winter and trim bushes when the plant is in deep dormancy.
What can I do with leggy privet?
The good news is privet (Ligustrum) is a very tough plant. You can completely rejuvenate it by cutting the branches down to 4 – 6 inches from the ground in late March; in the case of a very tall privet, prune to about half the present size. Once you achieve the height you want, prune it in an inverted keystone shape.
Can you cut privet back hard?
Privet is tough as old boots and can definitely tolerate hard pruning. Ideally cut back one side of the hedge one year, then the other side one or two years later to retain the screening effect and give the plant the best chance of recovery.