New privet hedge

[David Lawrence 88]

Hi

i planted a privet hedge this spring

the plants are reported to be doing well 

but just growing up not out or bushy at all

 

should we wait til they get to final height and then trim the tops or cut the tops out now to encourage side shoots

 

thanks

 

 

 

[Mick Dempsey]

I would allow them to reach their desired height, then keep them at that, then they will fill out to knit together and form a proper hedge 

[Retired Climber]

I'd allow it to get to just below desired height before trimming, if the main stems are heading straight up in the air. 

[sime42]

I beg to differ. I'd be inclined to trim them off a little before their final height, say 6 inches. That way I reckon you'll get a bit more time and space in which to achieve a nice, flat, dense top.
Though when all is said and done, because it's Privet, it doesn't really matter which way you do it. You can cut it as much as you want and it'll always spring back again. As long as you cut it at least a couple of times over the summer, you'll quickly get a nice finish. (Well, depending on your expertise with a hedge trimmer!).

[Jack.P]

Spend my life cutting those .seems like when there cut it only encourages them to grow even faster .no harm in trimming back by about a third 

[sime42]

Also, the more frequently you cut them, the smaller the leaves get so easier to get a smooth surface.
Definitely my choice of hedging plant. Much more forgiving and easier to control than Leylandii, and denser than Laurel.

[Squaredy]

For the last 12 years I have maintained 20 metres or so of well established privet hedge.  My recommendation would be to remove the privet bushes now whilst they are small, and erect an attractive fence.  

 

It does look lovely when freshly cut, but at this time of year it starts to look scruffy again in about ten days or so.  Great hobby I suppose.

[sime42]

True enough. I wouldn't be so keen if hedge trimming wasn't a "paid hobby"!

[petercb]

Brought back many unhappy memories of growing up and being responsible for cutting the privet hedges at home. Must have been at least 150 yards of the stuff which I had to cut with a pair of hand shears, no hedge trimmers in those days. When I'd had enough of that I had to cut the back lawn fortunately only about 15 sq yards with self same shears. Parents were too poor (mean?) to buy even a hand push mower. Happily the better half enjoys cutting the grass with a petrol mower I hasten to add. Needless to say no privet in my hedges nowadays!

[Mick Dempsey]

Privet always seems old fashioned, post war council house estate type hedge.