Privet, whether as a single shrub or hedge, requires little work because the shrub is very easy to care for. You just can't do without regular trimming, at least if you want to grow a dense hedge. When is the best time to prune privet?
When is the best time to prune privet?
Pruning privet is done in three main phases: in spring for a radical pruning (one to two thirds), in August for topiary and possibly in autumn for young privet hedges. Please note the breeding and breeding season for birds between April and July.
Privet tolerates cutting very well
If you want to grow an opaque privet hedge in the garden, you can't avoid regular trimming. This begins immediately after planting and has to be repeated up to three times a year, especially in the first few years.
Only if you cut back the privet frequently will the branches branch out well, so that the hedge becomes opaque.
- Radically shorten in spring
- if necessary, rejuvenation cut in spring
- cut into shape in August
- only cut young privet in autumn
- Choose a conical shape for hedges
- Note breeding and setting times
Cut privet in spring
Pruning in spring can be very severe. Feel free to cut the privet back by one to two thirds. The more you cut, the stronger it will sprout again later.
But be careful not to remove all the shoots that have flowers. The flowers are a good source of food for bumblebees, butterflies and other insects.
Topiary in August
In August you will primarily take care of the topiary. Remove individual branches. Now is also the best time to cut a privet into a special shape, such as a ball.
Autumn pruning only for very young privet
In autumn you should only cut very young privet hedges. Most of the time the new shoots can no longer mature in time and freeze in cold winters.
If you have chosen autumn as the planting time, you will have to use scissors (€14.00 on Amazon) and cut the privet back very heavily. Only then can it branch out well later.
Rejuvenation pruning of old privet hedges
Older privet hedges tend to become bald over time. The shrub then no longer receives enough light in the lower regions and hardly produces any side shoots or leaves there.
To rejuvenate a privet hedge, cut it back to the stock in spring. This means that you radically shorten the top and sides down to the trunk.
This won't harm the privet. It grows so quickly that the new shoots soon cover the bare spots.
Note breeding and setting times
In most municipalities you are not allowed to prune a hedge heavily from April to July to avoid disturbing nesting birds.
You can shorten individual shoots, but you should first check whether there is a nest in the privet.
Tip
Basically, you can plant privet at any time as long as the soil is sufficiently moist and not frozen. The best time is spring or autumn. If you choose summer as the planting time, you must water enough so that the privet grows.
