micky wrote:
....

ah, ok, thanks for the additional information.


So, how much of the previous, tall and once wide privet bush roots do I
have to remove to plant a new one in the same place and not have roots
that are no longer used but impede the growth of new roots as much as
rocks would? Or would they dry and shrink or rot so quickly they're
not a problem?

woody roots take a while to rot. they have to
figure out they're dead and that can take a few
years. it might even resprout from them. 18x18
inches should be enough.

i'd just cut the existing plant back to about
6-8 inches, it'll regrow probably better than a
plant you put in there. it will have a much
better root system.

when planting a new privet the recommendation
is to cut it back by 2/3rds. you might be able
to cut it back less if your climate isn't too
harsh, but generally it's not too good to leave
too much up top (better to have too little)
relative to the size of the roots.


songbird