Pruning Privet
My Privet hedge has become too tall and leggy. I would like to cut it back and allow it to start over. How and when should this be done?
Late winter is the best time to prune, especially with major renovations like this. The plants will soon start growing and quickly close the pruning wounds and start producing new stems and a fuller plant. Privets will tolerate severe pruning, back to several inches above ground level. Be aware that plants often produce overly long stems after this type of severe pruning.
Consider renewal pruning now and in the future. It is less stressful on the plant, encourages thicker growth at the base of the plant and eliminates the need for a total overhaul. Remove one third of the older stems to ground level. Then reduce the height of the remaining stems, as needed, by as much as one third to one half. Repeat for the next few years and your hedge will be shorter and fuller.
Prune your hedge so the top is narrower than the bottom. This allows light to reach all the stems encouraging full growth from top to bottom. In the future remove a few older canes to ground level each winter. This spreads out the workload while keeping your hedge looking good.
Related
Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars
April 3, 2024
Garden Trends
Franklin Public Library, Franklin, WI
April 10, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
Container Gardening Throughout the Year
Register now
April 11, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
7 Steps to Managing Water Where it Falls in Your Yard
Register now
April 17, 2024
Landscaping for Birds:
A Gardener’s Perspective
Glendale, WI
April 18, 2024
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Golden Rondelle Theater, Racine, WI
Register now
April 20, 2024
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL
April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI
April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI
May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now
May 9, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
How to Plant Your Rain Garden
Register now
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More