Hedge help

sylviesasaki

So when we moved into the house a section of the perimeter privet hedge was renewed and panelled fencing placed behind for privacy. 4 years on the storms blew the fencing down revealing very spindly, tallish stalks. We want a full hedge to fit in with the rest of the boundary hedge. How do we achieve this? I fear we need to cut it down a bit and sacrifice privacy? If so by how much? Is it better to stagger the pruning and do some this year and some next?  Do I need to fill the gaps with more hedging? I’ve heard I could also weave the stalks into shape? Any advice gratefully received. Sylvie (photos attached)

JennyJ

The best way to encourage it to grow bushy is to cut it back, maybe give it a feed and keep it well-watered over the summer. Removing the grass from the base of the hedge will also help it along - less competition for water and nutrients.

I'm also wondering if a hedge-laying type of approach might work faster, but I'm no expert on that.