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How do I cut a privet back hard?

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  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Ooh, exciting!
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Good work @gilla.walmsley. I'd get on top of the ivy and try and get rid of it. If the privet is correctly maintained - ie keep the base wider than the top, you should get a good, green hedge. 
    A few bulbs will be great for a bit of welcome colour, and easy enough to obtain, as @JennyJ said. Still plenty available form good online suppliers too. 
    I'd keep them on the 'house' side of the hedge so that you get the benefit.  ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • A big issue is getting rid of the waste. A car full is nothing. It’s so surprising how much it adds up. DIY best done in stages. If you gut it back to Less than you desire, then this gives the new growth room to fill the gaps 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Fortunately, most households have a garden waste bin collection, so it wouldn't take too many bins to get rid of it. I've been getting rid of some hedge, and I did exactly that. I've cleared around 40 feet over the autumn and the start of winter. Probably around 6 bins to clear that.
    I know some areas don't have a weekly collection like we do, and ours is also all year round, so that can make it slower, but it's better [and tidier!] than filling the car, especially if it's difficult due to the pandemic. We were unable to use our local tip for a very long time, so that wouldn't have been an option. Not everyone has a car either  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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