If a privet hedge is no longer opaque, you are often advised to put the privet on stick. What does that mean and why might it make sense to take this action? When and how can you put privet on stick?

If the hedge is no longer opaque, a radical cut will help

What does "put privet on stick" mean?

Planting a privet only means cutting back the shrub radically, both on top and on the sides:

  • Cut the privet by 2/3 in height
  • Cut back side shoots by 2/3 as well
  • cut back in spring
  • Observe the breeding season of the birds

If possible, all shoots of the shrub are shortened by two-thirds. This may be very sad at first, but you were happy about the increasing growth of your privet hedge.

Nevertheless, this maintenance measure is very useful. Your hedge will thank you with strong growth and dense branches.

When is the radical pruning appropriate?

You should put a privet on sticks immediately after replanting. If you missed this time, you can catch up later, but it will then take longer for the hedge to become opaque.

Even a bare hedge that is very old and has not been cut often enough can be rejuvenated and brought back into shape by putting it on sticks.

Best time to put privet on stick

The best time is early spring just before new growth. Use March and April to radically cut back the privet hedge.

At a later date you should not necessarily put Privet on stick. It does not harm the shrub if it is cut later. However, the hedge is very popular with breeding birds, which are disturbed by the cutting.

In many areas, the radical cutting back of a privet hedge during the breeding season is also not permitted. During this time, you may only make light topiary cuts.

tips

It is better not to cut privet in a square shape, as can be seen in many gardens. It is better to let the shrub taper to a point at the top. Then the light also reaches the lower regions and encourages new growth of leaves and branches.

Category:

Garden design