Privet hedge help

misterpf

Hello - we have over trimmed our privet hedge and would like it to grow upwards. There are now lots of thick, woody stumps at the top and I am not clear about how it can grow upwards thickly. How much upward growth can i expect per year?

If you are able to help, i'd be most grateful. 

Paul

BobTheGardener

Privet is pretty bomb-proof when it comes to pruning.  It will soon sprout new shoots, even directly from the thick wood.  An old gardening saying is 'growth follows the knife' meaning pruning actually encourages strong growth so don't worry as it will grow rapidly now but probably not until the spring.

misterpf

Verdun says:

Misterpf,

can you post a picture?  If you have those "thick woody stumps at the top" you might want to cut even lower.   it is possible that growth will come from those top stumps so a lower cut will produce lower dense growth.  Regardless, new shoots will emerge in spring.     

See original post

 

misterpf

misterpf says:

Verdun says:

Misterpf,

can you post a picture?  If you have those "thick woody stumps at the top" you might want to cut even lower.   it is possible that growth will come from those top stumps so a lower cut will produce lower dense growth.  Regardless, new shoots will emerge in spring.     

See original post

 

See original post

 Thank you for your reply. Have I misunderstood you? I do want growth because the hedge is slightly lower (by a foot or 18 inches) than I had wanted it to be So I am really looking for whatever will promote the best upward growth. I can post a photo tomorrow. 

Many thanks

paul

misterpf

Hello, here is the hedge in question, about a foot and a half shorter than I'd like it to be. 

misterpf

PS sorry i wasn't able to change the orientation ! I tried twice and failed both times. 

misterpf

Oh thank you. So you think it could grow a foot next year?