PRIVET Hedge HELP NEEDED
samalamb
Posts: 1
I think the area that my Privet is growing in isn't providing enough nutrients or space. I planted them last spring and they aren't flourishing. They are JUST now (June 21st) leafing. I'm wondering if it would be possible to remove them, dig around the area, add manure, compose and peat to the soil, then replant them. Will this be too much of a shock?
I think the issue is they are too crowded (we have crab grass like crazy) and the privet is being robbed of nutrients. The drainage is good in the area. Other than that I'm at a loss. So, my big burring plan was to dig way back, get rid of as much of the running crab grass roots as possible, supplement the soil with manure, compost and peat, then replant the hedge. Once done, I'd put down some cardboard or newspaper around each plant then mulch the tar out of it. Does that sound like overkill or too much shock for these babies?
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Hi samalamb. Did you prepare the ground thoroughly before you put the hedge in? That always pays dividends. Small plants can take a while to establish, so if they're only 12/18" for instance, they won't grow loads in their first year as they'll be trying to get a decent root system. Privet isn't evergreen so it also may look a bit bare after the winter but should leaf up well once the weather warms up and it gets going again. If there's a lot of weed growth round about it's important to get rid of it as it will compete especially if your hedging plants are small. On the basis that there's no other major issues with the site, I'd add some good compost and slow release fertiliser round the plants, water and mulch.
A hedge needs as much attention initially as any other plant - clear the area thoroughly of weeds, and turf if there's any, then plenty of well rotted manure/compost/ good soil put in. Put each plant in with some slow release fertiliser - Fish, blood and bone is ideal, then water well and add a mulch of bark or more compost. Keep well watered and weed free until the plants establish. You can't go far wrong if you do that, unless the site is unsuitable. A wild, cold, windy site needs extra protection in place to protect young plants in their first year or two.
Hope that's of some help
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Fairygirl is spot on, but I would add that when you plant them back, or whatever you decide to do, always cut them down by about a third. This will allow them to shoot out from the bottom otherwise you will be left with a one stick hedge.
What do you mean by mulching the tar out of them?