- Prune privet in spring
- Cut the privet conically
- Time for the makeover cut
- Pour after cutting
- Chop up the shrub cuttings
In order to grow an opaque privet hedge, regular pruning of the shrub is essential. Without cutting, the hedge would be bare at the bottom and have many holes. The best time for a vigorous pruning or planting of the privet is spring.
The spring cut is the most important care measure for the privet
Prune privet in spring
Spring pruning is particularly important because the privet is now sprouting strongly. Only if you cut it back vigorously will the branches form. Without cutting, the hedge would just grow taller.
- Thin out the privet
- remove dead branches
- Cut back shoots heavily
- put on stick
Cut the privet conically
In the spring, the privet is thinned out vigorously. All shoots are shortened by one to two thirds. Cut out all dried and thin shoots. Since the privet is very keen on growing, it quickly catches up with the pruning.
Cut the privet as conically as possible and not straight. With a very straight cut, there is a risk that the hedge will be bare at the bottom because it does not get enough light there. It then no longer drives out there and also does not form any leaves.
Time for the makeover cut
Spring is the best time for a rejuvenation pruning of old, already leafless privet bushes. You can cut back the shrub as much as you want, even down to the stick. If you want the branches to branch out again, you must leave a residue of three centimeters.
Pour after cutting
Privet is not very demanding when it comes to care. After a vigorous pruning, you should water the privet well so that it has enough strength for new growth.
If you want to fertilize, now is the best time to do so. Don't overdo it, though, as privet will respond to overfeeding with yellow leaves.
Chop up the shrub cuttings
Use the cuttings as mulch material. Shred or chop them up and spread them under the privet. This protects the soil from drying out and at the same time provides new nutrients.
tips
Before you start cutting back the privet vigorously, check to see if there are any bird nests. Birds like to use privet for nesting. If necessary, postpone the cut or cut so that you do not disturb the birds.