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Big fat privet hedge
LINDA F
Posts: 162
I have a privet hedge which is nearly 6feet tall and about 4feet wide . I would like to bring the width in to 2 and half feet. Would this be ok to do it now and would it grow back in again? I have never cut the width in before and am a bit nervous about starting it. Any suggestions would be most appreciated.
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In a word - yes!
It'll look a bit rough for a while Linda, but it will actually do it good. Give it a good liquid seaweed feed afterwards which will promote new growth, or if you don't have any, a general feed and a good watering, plus a mulch if you want.
If I remember correctly, you're in Howwood (?) and normally you wouldn't need to do the watering at this time of year, but as it's been very dry lately, it's worth giving it a good soak.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Privet is one that responds well to a good thrashing. It's recommended that for a rejuvenation prune you do one side at a time. It depends how radical you're going to be. Go for it. It'll look shocking for a while and before you know it it'll be fine.
Thanks to you both, I am going to go for it tomorrow if it stays dry. And yes fairygirl Howwood is quite a rainy place, but I love it. I will do as you say and give it a feed once the mega cut back is done. Still feeling a bit nervous about doing but hey ho I just have to get on with it
Thanks again.
I hope you can make this out ok. It's how I did mine from the RHS Encyclopedia of Gardening.
OOO the writing's all fuzzy but the pic makes sense I think.
Last edited: 24 May 2016 20:33:16
Thanks plant pauper yes I can make it out. Now I cant wait to get started. Will let you know how I get on.
Hedge done and I am really pleased with how it looks, I know it will take time for it to grow back in but I am glad I done it. thanks for your help