Some of my privet hedging is a bit sparse around the bottom, which leaves huge unsightly gaps. Is there any way of encouraging it to sprout some new shoots, e.g. making nicks in the main stalk? I wouldn’t do the 1/3 winter trimming thing untill the hedge has been in place 10-15 years.
Comments:
7 Comments posted on "How can I thicken a privet hedge?"
cr500 on October 5th, 2013 at 3:25 am #
Trim the top.
Daf One on October 5th, 2013 at 3:35 am #
If you cut the top the sides grow thicker, and cut the sides they grow taller. Cut weekly and the clippings should be swept under the hedge, to rot down and feed the trees, so any shoots growing in the gaps can be snipped shorter to encourage thicker growth. This process will take some time.
Miss Chronic on October 5th, 2013 at 3:49 am #
To rejuvenate an old and “leggy” hedge, cut back to a few inches above the ground in the early spring and then prune like a new planting. This works best with deciduous hedges but is also possible with some evergreen hedges if you leave a few branches with leaves on the plant. . Larger, older shrubs should not be rejuvenated in late spring or summer. Early spring is preferred for most.
Judy B on October 5th, 2013 at 4:06 am #
The way to keep it thick at the bottom is to prune and shear it properly. If the bottom is shaded it will become sparse and the main cause of shaded bottom is cutting it wider at the top and thinner at the bottom. Start pruning your hedge in a wedge shape, wider at the bottom end and it will thicken up. See the link below for more details.
I know for sure on October 5th, 2013 at 4:12 am #
I have a great privet hedge that many neighbors comment on. I wouldn’t do the 1/3 winter trimming thing untill the hedge has been in place 10-15 years.
John L on October 5th, 2013 at 4:49 am #
Most of the answers about leaving the bottom thicker than the top works, this way the bottom will get more light. Next time you are in a country road observe how the Council cuts the hedgerows and you will see the way to do it.
Jeffery P on October 5th, 2013 at 5:26 am #
cut some lems back to the second joint and put them in water till they get roots then plant them in the bare spots as the hedges get to the height that you need you need to cut the tops off this will make them thicker and you will not even be about to see thought them anymore it will take some time to do this but it is what you want and this is the best way that I know how to do this without having someone to come in and planting a fence role hedge in it place even that would have to grow up to block the lookers Post a comment
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