Privet Hedge

neiloliver

Hi,  we have lived at our current house (Sheffield) since 2014 and a section of privet hedge was dying when we arrived. Only approximately 2-3 foot in width.  the neighbour commented that the previous occupant had poured bleach near/on the hedge in past years.  I assumed that this was the cause of the initial problem.  However, after the hedge had rejuvenated over recent years a small section within the same area has died.  I just wondered if anybody knew why this would be? Could it be that after 5-6 years the bleach is still affecting the hedge? Or could the potential bleach issue be a red herring, and the cause something else? A fungus perhaps? Any answers would be very much appreciated. 
Neil

Kitty 2

Many of the recent privet questions on the forum indicate that lots of them have suffered from last years drought conditions.
I have some similar dark purple leaves on mine.
Zooming in, I can see signs of growth in the tiny green buds... so it's not totally dead .

I think the bleach is long gone by now.

I would give it a good prune, trim off any brittle, dead stems, and clear out any twiggy rubbish/fallen leaves around the base.

Dovefromabove usually recommends a feed of 'Fish, Blood and Bone' in the spring to give hedges a pick me up.
Oh, and a good drink of water.

neiloliver

Thanks Kitty.  The green shoots are from the privet either side of the dead section.  I can't see any green shoots on the plants affected.  And yes, I would imagine the bleach is long gone, but wondered if perhaps its alleged presence in the past has undermined the hedges resilience in the short to medium term - I would think not.  As spring conditions start to develop I'll keep my eye on it. But branches are brittle and I suspect it will need removing. But I could be wrong!
Cheers

JennyJ

If you aren't in too much of a hurry, you could cut the dead branches down to ground level (or until you reach live wood if there is any) and give them a while to see if they regrow.  If they don't it's a case of dig out and replace, or try to train growth from either side to fill the gap.