Privet dying

Simon139

Hi All,

Don't know if someone can please help.

I bought my privet bare roots (110 plants in total) and planted in March this year. They seemed to be coming on really well until a few weeks ago.

I noticed on a few of the plants had brown spots on the leaves which which in turn, turned the leaves yellow. Now most of my plants have this problem and its killed around 4 plants so far (please see pics).

Is there anything I can do to stop this before they are all gone? I've been watering them every week or so, but not this week because we've had plenty of rain!

thanks
Si

Cottage Compost

Privet is a very thirsty and hungry plant.  Looking at the grass in the photos it looks as though the grass isn't doing that well either.

Do you have very free draining soil?

110 plants, over what sort of distance?  I'm guessing you need a hosepipe and 4 to 5hrs worth of water a week and even if its rained and over winter too.

Try a dose of Epsom salts after watering.  Try adding a lot of horse manure in the autumn and the next three years.

Water at least once a week as a minimum even if it has rained. A watering can full per plant a week is nowhere near enough.

Last edited: 27 July 2017 10:00:41

Kitty 2

Hi Simon .   I would've completely removed the grass along the fence line and dug a proper border before planting the hedge. The grass is in direct competition for water and nutrients with the young privet plants....and it looks like it's winning.

Best thing you can do now is cut a line with a half moon edging spade, and carefully strip back the grass around the hedge. Mulch and water as cottage compost has already advised.  Good luck ?.

Simon139

Cottage Compost says:

Privet is a very thirsty and hungry plant.  Looking at the grass in the photos it looks as though the grass isn't doing that well either.

Do you have very free draining soil?

110 plants, over what sort of distance?  I'm guessing you need a hosepipe and 4 to 5hrs worth of water a week and even if its rained and over winter too.

Try a dose of Epsom salts after watering.  Try adding a lot of horse manure in the autumn and the next three years.

Water at least once a week as a minimum even if it has rained. A watering can full per plant a week is nowhere near enough.

Last edited: 27 July 2017 10:00:41

See original post

 Thank you very much for the reply, it looks like I need to step up the watering! 

They are planted over a 50 metre line at the bottom of the garden. I'll take onboard the advice given and cross my fingers!

Simon139

Kitty 2 says:

Hi Simon .   I would've completely removed the grass along the fence line and dug a proper border before planting the hedge. The grass is in direct competition for water and nutrients with the young privet plants....and it looks like it's winning.

Best thing you can do now is cut a line with a half moon edging spade, and carefully strip back the grass around the hedge. Mulch and water as cottage compost has already advised.  Good luck ?.

See original post

 Thanks Kitty, appreciate your reply. I'll do that tomorrow and soak them in water. i admit to being a novice with this sort of thing - hope it's not too late!