Tie a string between the stakes. Shear the top of the privet along the string line, then shear the face of the hedge down to the bottom in a diagonal downward slope. The hedge should be narrower at the top than the base on each side in order to allow light to touch the entire hedge face.
How far back can you cut a privet hedge?
six to eight inches
By trimming back your privet hedge, six to eight inches from the ground when new growth starts will encourage branching at the base of the plant. This will promote root growth and aid newer shrubs in establishing themselves in the garden. From there on, for every new foot of growth, trim back six inches.
How do you prune an overgrown privet hedge?
Generally, you want to cut them back 6 inches for every 12 inches of growth. You may not do much privet hedge pruning in the first year depending on factors like the time of year the hedge was planted. Hedges are often focused on developing roots in the first year so you may not see much above-ground growth.
Can you cut privet right back?
Privet is tough as old boots and can definitely tolerate hard pruning. Ideally cut back one side of the hedge one year, then the other side one or two years later to retain the screening effect and give the plant the best chance of recovery.
How do you shorten a hedge?
You're gonna need some upper body strength to be able to clip the whole hedge using hand shears.
Can you cut a hedge in half?
The sides can be cut back too – a process known as “splitting” a hedge. The idea is to take off one side of the hedge this spring and the other side next spring or in two years time. If you want to take a small risk, both sides can be done at the same time. Some hedges cannot be cut down hard or split.
Can I cut my hedge in April?
The more you cut it, the more it forms a dense, even hedge and the easier it is to keep it to the same size. If necessary, prune it hard in April to reduce the size of the hedge.
What is the best tool to cut hedges?
With shears
Why: on small-leaved hedges, shears are a quicker alternative to secateurs. The long blades also help to keep hedges level. How: cut back the top and sides into a neat shape. Trim off the softer, new growth.
How do you cut tall hedges?
Quote from the video:
I start off by fixing the platform to the roof rack of the bum and cantilever it out so I can get close to the edge. I have to do this saw that I can reach the other side of the hedge.
When should you not cut hedges?
We recommend avoiding hedge cutting during the main breeding season for nesting birds, which usually runs throughout March to August each year. This can be weather dependent and some birds may nest outside this period, so it is important to always check carefully for active nests prior to cutting.
Can I remove a hedge on my land?
Boundary hedge removal law will come into effect if your remove a hedge that is either on your neighbour’s land or between the two properties and you do not have your neighbour’s permission. While you are allowed to maintain the hedge on your side, removing it is illegal.
Can my Neighbour cut the top of my hedge?
Your neighbour can cut any branches that are overhanging into their garden as long as they only remove the bits on their side of the boundary. If they want you to cut your tree or hedge just because they don’t like the way it looks, it’s up to you whether you do the work.
How do you maintain a privet hedge?
Every time your privets put on a foot of new growth, trim them back 6 inches. But stop pruning in late summer to avoid encouraging fall growth that may be damaged by cold. Even if a formal hedge is planned, prune each stem individually while privets are young and avoid shearing until their third season.
How tall will a privet hedge grow?
The privet, otherwise known by its botanical name Ligustrum, is a type of shrub that presents itself with dense foliage of short, deep-green leaves. The privet can grow up to 15 feet tall and 8 feet wide when fully matured and grown in optimal conditions.
How do you trim overgrown Ligustrum?
You can rejuvenate the ligustrum by cutting it back to six to twelve inches tall in late February. New growth will come from the stump and you can trim that growth occasionally as your shrub grows back into a pleasing form. Remember always to keep the bottom of the shrubs wider than the top so sunshine can penetrate.
