interplanting privet with box hedge??

[Rik]

hey guys, been asked by a customer if i can interplant privet into a straggly box hege to increase the height and structure of the hedge...

the hedge is currently about 4' high and kinda fallen apart where he tops got heavy and just flopped over in a lot of places.. the bottoms pretty open and lots of holes right through

 

basically wondering if interplanting privet along and between the hedge would work, would they survive the limited light/water? would they be able to push through to the top and above? would they cause problems for the existing box if they do survive etc...

 

to be honest im really stumped on this one as ive never done anything like this before so really have no idea! any thoughts would be really appreciated as always!

 

 

 

Sent from my GT-I9100

[Goaty]

Box will be outcompeted by privet as privet just mops the soil dry. I imagine your customer wants instant effect without waiting as usual. I think your options are..

 

1. Replace hedge

 

2. Plant privet in between with a view to it taking over.

 

3. Cut box down to 15-30 cm depending on current height, even to the floor if its a low hedge. Mulch and feed with a more dedicated trimming routine. It should recover far quicker than a new hedge would grow as the roots are waiting to do the work. I think this is the best option , plant up big gaps with new plants, buy bigger pot grown ones, still cheaper than new hedge. Once the customer sees it growing they will be pleased.

[Rik]

thas interesting goaty cheers for the reply . i didnt realise u could hit the box back so hard to be honest! i was thinking i could just shape it up to start with but it does make sense though when u describe. the instant thing they arent too worried about (which makes a change)!

 

they are ideally thinking they'd like a completely intermingled hedge of privet and box interwoven together.. from what u describe, this is clearly.not going to happen and the privet will win out.. i guess i could plant a fewer number of privet plants and hope to give the box a better chance?

 

Sent from my GT-I9100

[Goaty]

Box grows around 15cm a year, privet 60cm. Thereabouts, will be hard to equalize.

e.

[Rik]

ah yes of course indeed. hink i may have to have a discussion with my customers!

 

Sent from my GT-I9100

[Stephen Blair]

Goaty has much nailed it imo:thumbup1:

[Rik]

agreed

 

Sent from my GT-I9100

[hedgesparrow]

only found out a couple of weeks back that privet can be laid. just need to cut side growth off cut the stems as for laying and lay it. and put small stakes diameter wise to weave the hedge so it keeps it firm. will regrow ok and will be firm close gaps and will not be holy in the bottom. and no need for binders on top

[openspaceman]

only found out a couple of weeks back that privet can be laid. just need to cut side growth off cut the stems as for laying and lay it. and put small stakes diameter wise to weave the hedge so it keeps it firm. will regrow ok and will be firm close gaps and will not be holy in the bottom. and no need for binders on top

 

When I read the original post I thought laying would be the best way of recovery but was unsure how box would react, personally I don't like privet hedges much but box hedges...

[Graham]

only found out a couple of weeks back that privet can be laid. just need to cut side growth off cut the stems as for laying and lay it. and put small stakes diameter wise to weave the hedge so it keeps it firm. will regrow ok and will be firm close gaps and will not be holy in the bottom. and no need for binders on top

 

It will lay well. Done a few over the years but it does not like frost on the pleaches.