To keep a privet hedge nice and tight, you need to trim it regularly. Only then will the shoots branch well. Initially, a privet hedge is trimmed three times a year, later pruning twice is sufficient. How to cut a privet hedge.

Regular pruning keeps the privet hedge dense and strong

How often do you have to cut a privet hedge?

The frequency with which a privet hedge needs trimming depends on its age and condition. In the first few years after planting, you cannot avoid cutting them three times.

Later, two cuts will suffice. You only need to trim very old hedges once a year. However, you should rejuvenate the privet hedge every two to three years.

Make sure you cut the privet hedge conically so that the lower areas get enough light. Otherwise the privet will wither over time.

Cut back in spring

The heaviest pruning takes place in spring. Then you can also cut the privet back to stick.

If you want to enjoy the flowers and the bumblebees and butterflies that buzz around them, wait until after flowering to prune. Be sure to check if there are birds nesting in the hedge.

Topiary in August

The second budding of the privet takes place in August. Now you should cut the privet again to bring it into shape and to stimulate fresh side branches to sprout.

Cutting a privet hedge in autumn?

Opinions differ on whether a privet hedge should be trimmed in autumn or not. Many gardeners advise against an autumn cut, as the new shoots that grow afterwards do not harden properly before winter and then do not survive the frost.

Frozen shoots can be easily removed in spring.

With young hedges, it is better not to forego pruning in autumn and accept frozen shoots.

Use shrub cuttings for propagation

You can grow privet yourself from the cut shoots in spring. Simply stick the cuttings or sticks into prepared soil.

tips

Already after planting the privet hedge, the first pruning takes place, and very strongly. The shoots are shortened by two-thirds.

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Garden design