Holes in privet leaves

erincove

Hi there, I found a picture online from Gardeners world that shows the issues with parts of my privet hedge but get page 404 when I click on it to find a resolution. Can anyone please point me in the right direction to sort it.

https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=zrR4oyUV&id=E820D259416AB1F661E0F66A6DFC44C0291D076D&thid=OIP.zrR4oyUVBGaI25VJLbp2jQHaFj&mediaurl=https://us.v-cdn.net/6030279/uploads/ForumPostImages/828b75df-1a0b-4af3-a043-4ec78d29075c.jpg&cdnurl=https://th.bing.com/th/id/R.ceb478a32515046688db95492dba768d?rik=bQcdKcBE%2fG1q9g&pid=ImgRaw&r=0&exph=2448&expw=3264&q=privet+hedge+hols+inleaves&form=IRPRST&ck=11E3315F404D49EC08257A727B0CE3CD&selectedindex=0&ajaxhist=0&ajaxserp=0&vt=0&pivotparams=insightsToken=ccid_ISxY4c%2Fg*cp_C3CB9342C3534C459348A5FA649E1106*mid_2A4979BB8846AC5D1FE9D6095022A0DEF6FEDFA2*simid_608052727974935032*thid_OIP.ISxY4c!_gURO1yB9M9qi-oAHaFj&sim=11&iss=VSI&ajaxhist=0&ajaxserp=0

erincove

Actually page not found - https://forum.gardenersworld.com/problem-solving/help-my-plants-leaves-are-covered-in-tiny-holes/987645/

Fairygirl

That looks more like a viburnum affected by v. beetle in your pic  

some info here 
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=556

erincove

Thanks for the reply. It was similar to what my privet hedge looked like, have now attached pictures just taken. I can't see any mites/bugs etc so wasn't sure if just a light soapy solution sprayed on might help or hinder.

Fairygirl

That's vine weevil damage in the pic above. 
Soapy water will have no effect. The adults make those notches, and grubs eat roots, but on something like a privet hedge, they're unlikely to cause any serious damage. It's largely aesthetic, and regular trimming will keep the hedge in decent condition. Privet likes a lot of moisture to be at it's best, so if it's very dry, giving the hedge a good haircut, removing the clippings, and tidying round the base, followed by a good watering, will help. You can also add a mulch of compost or leaf mould or similar to help preserve moisture. That's particularly useful in spring. 
The other alternative is to use nematodes. It really depends on whether the damage is extensive, and is affecting other planting too. It can be a very expensive method for  a hedge. 

erincove

Thanks again, will keep a close eye and remove any damage to try and control it.