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Identify and level of damage to hedge:) any thoughts on how long it would take to grow back

njcduffynjcduffy Posts: 3
in Problem solving
Hi I've tried to cut back the hedge (I'm a new gardener) :) I'm just wondering does anyone know what type of hedge this is and if I've cut this back so far it will never grow back on the bare side... I'm interested if I've cut this at a reasonable time of year. (may). How long it will take to grow back some of the branches? And I'd I've caused too much damage to one side that it will never grow branches on that side again where they are chopped back. Any help greatly appreciated.

Posts

  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    I don't know what it is, but it's not a conifer so I think the chances of regrowth are very good.
    The only problem with cutting in May is that you could disturb nesting birds.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    pittosporum?

    Devon.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    Yes pittosporum, but I have never pruned one.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • StephenSouthwestStephenSouthwest Posts: 635
    Pittosporum is robust, and will grow back from bare stems, so it'll be fine.
     I do echo JennyJ's point that it's important to check carefully for nesting birds.
  • njcduffynjcduffy Posts: 3
    Thanks all. Really helpful :)!! To check do you think it is cut back more than was necessary? Is there a general principle to follow when cutting back this type of plant? To reassure all, I did check for nesting birds and will cut at the right time going forward.
  • KeenOnGreenKeenOnGreen Posts: 1,831
    We have lots of Pittosporums, and have cut some back quite substantially.  I would avoid cutting them when there are any chances of frosts, so avoid Winter. I also don't cut shrubs on very hot days, or when it is due to be very hot for the few days following trimming, as it only stresses them out.

    It can take mature plants longer to regrow fully, that was the case with our largest and most mature Pittosporum, but it did eventually fully regrow. We don't normally feed ours, as with most of our shrubs, but if you wanted to encourage growth you could give yours a mulch of well-rotted manure (but keep it well away from the trunk, as you don't want to encourage rot), or a weekly liquid feed (something like liquid seaweed). 

    If we have a hot and dry Summer, a large drink of water once or twice a week will also help. It will bounce back, just be patient.
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