Privet needs a taper cut
The reason why the privet or privet hedge bald is almost always due to insufficient light. The higher and denser the shrub grows, the less often daylight reaches the lower shrub regions. However, the privet needs light in order to form new shoots and leaves.
also read
- How long is privet's flowering period?
- Privet cut in the spring
- When is the best time to prune privet?
In order for the lighting conditions to improve, you should taper the privet in this case. How to make a taper cut.
- Taper cut in spring
- Shorten the privet considerably in height
- Cut the sides of the hedge on stick
- choose a conical shape
The best time for the taper cut
The best time to rejuvenate a privet is early spring. The shrub then sprouts particularly vigorously.
In addition, you should only prune back hedges very heavily in spring or autumn, as this would disturb breeding birds.
Cut privet on stick
To rejuvenate, cut privet back into the old wood. This means that you shorten it in height by one to two thirds. You can cut the side shoots back to the trunk. However, you should leave small pieces of shoots of about three cm so that the privet can branch well.
In spring, new shoots begin, so that the privet quickly forms new shoots and leaves that make the hedge tight again.
In order for the privet to have enough strength to form leaves and shoots, you should water and fertilize it well after cutting.
Do not trim hedges straight
To prevent the privet hedge from balding, you should never cut the shrub straight. A conical shape is best. This also gives a higher privet hedge in the lower regions more light.
Privet hedges need to be pruned three times a year to begin with and then twice a year. Only then will the hedge stay nice and tight.
Tips
If the privet is not growing properly, it is usually in a location that is too shady. Soil moisture also plays a role.
