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Privet Hedges

maurice.brennantwmXBCXWmaurice.brennantwmXBCXW Posts: 8
in Plants
We have a 20m long privet hedge which is growing unevenly - parts have less leaf cover and look woody. Can you recommend a good food to use to give it a boost. I’ve read blood and bone is good but I get confused by the different ratios for fertilisers such as 30-10-5 etc - which would I need? 

Th hedge already has a good bark mulch base. 

Thank you.
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Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Hi @maurice.brennantwmXBCXW - do you have a photo?
    Privet can get a bit bare at the bottom if the top is wider, just because of less light, and less moisture getting in, but they also can succumb to disease. 
    The icon which looks like a mountain is the one to use for uploading pix.  :)

    Most privet needs no extra food, but B,F&B is ideal in spring. A foliar feed of liquid seaweed is also good if needed through the growing season, but it's a bit late for any food now, and it certainly isn't a good idea to feed if it's struggling. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • maurice.brennantwmXBCXWmaurice.brennantwmXBCXW Posts: 8
    thank you - I appreciate your response - attached some pictures that might amplify the situation .... 
  • maurice.brennantwmXBCXWmaurice.brennantwmXBCXW Posts: 8

  • maurice.brennantwmXBCXWmaurice.brennantwmXBCXW Posts: 8
    Hello - can anyone help with my Privet question? Many thanks.....
  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    Can you delete the other identical post as it won't make getting a response any faster, it just deprives posters of the previous communication @maurice.brennantwmXBCXW
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • maurice.brennantwmXBCXWmaurice.brennantwmXBCXW Posts: 8
    Somebody told me I had posted the question in the wrong part of the forum that is why I put a second one there.
  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    Most people just look at the most recent discussions section, so the individual sections really don't matter. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • maurice.brennantwmXBCXWmaurice.brennantwmXBCXW Posts: 8
    You can't delete your old posts or threads, which is typical of most forums
  • PerkiPerki Posts: 2,527
    Looks like it been left to grow wild originally hence the long upright stems and large leaves . It wants cutting back a bit further in than you want, then allowed to grow close to the height you want for the top / sides and then kept trim, more you trim it denser the hedge will be it wants trimming at least 2 times a year. I can't see a deficiency in nutrients but an annual spread of bone meal will do no harm if you wish but I don't personally bother. 
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    I think part of the problem is that because it is against a fence it is only getting light from one side ... when privet is in the dark it doesn't grow any leaves.  I suggest initially reducing it's height by a third and trimming the unfenced side at an angle, wider at the bottom than the top, to encourage more bushy growth and get more light to the base.  

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





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