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privet hedge problem
Catherine Emonson
Posts: 2
I have an established privet hedge which has developed greyish leaves and looks unhealthy. I have noticed webs in the hedge and am wondering if it could be a spider mite invasion. if so, what can I do to help the hedge recover?
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Posts
I can't see how tall your shrub is from the angle of the photos, but I don't think you should worry too much. If you keep your shrub watered well in dry periods and make sure they have a nice thick layer of mulch along the bottom, you are already creating a much better growing situation to minimise these attacks.
Use a jet hose and wash away all the web around the leaves and if you have any distorted growth, prune them off. But the most important thing is to keep your plant well watered. It does look dry and possibly it could be mildew too.
Thank you for your advice. The hedge is approximately four feet high and has always been healthy until recently. I will get the hose out tonight and attack the webs, and follow up with a good watering and mulch. I don't want to lose the hedge, as it not only forms the border of my garden, but also provides a habitat for wildlife. Thanks again for your input.