Howdy all.

I have a two year old privet hedge that is growing tall, but not wide.
The base of the hedge is also fairly bare. I have made several
shearing cuts, but that seems to be making it look top heavy.

The plants were 12"-18" tall when planted. The only cuts have been
shearing off new growth. Should I cut it close to the ground this
spring? I assume this would create a flush of new growth at the base
where I want it.

Any input appreciated.
-Felder

Ours had good width because we kept sheering them back till they filled in....
for a year or so we kept it 3 ft then 4 ft ect.... it was 12 foot when we moved
and about 5-6 foot wide. Nice screen the new owners cut almost to the ground. I
didn't like the idea of the neighbor being able to look in the windo without
the hedge... I'd like to put them in here to make the back private from the
road and again my neighbor.We don't have many large lots of property here.
Colleen
Zone 5 CT

On 10 Nov 2004 18:08:26 -0800, (felder) wrote:

Howdy all.

I have a two year old privet hedge that is growing tall, but not wide.
The base of the hedge is also fairly bare. I have made several
shearing cuts, but that seems to be making it look top heavy.

The plants were 12"-18" tall when planted. The only cuts have been
shearing off new growth. Should I cut it close to the ground this
spring? I assume this would create a flush of new growth at the base
where I want it.

Any input appreciated.
-Felder

Trimming it back (by one half) will encourage it to branch out. The
proper way to trim a hedge is wider at the bottom which provides
better light and a more natural shape.