Privet hedges
16 years ago
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- 16 years ago
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Japanese Privet Hedge not growing!
Comments (9)Thanks lisanti! No, the soil doesn't look any different than over on the right. All the plants were planted at the same time and from the same batch of plants from the same nursery. I suppose I could try planting a new one or two but while not expensive, they aren't cheap for a good size plant. I'd hate to plant new ones and have the same problem and be right back where I am in a few months or next year. I guess I was hoping for a magical cure that will fix the problem but I guess I'll need to try something like this eventually....See Moreold privet hedge in need of some help!
Comments (7)First of all, don't worry about the little "hedge balls" (wry grins). People have to work very consistently to make those strange things happen. I've never figured out why they would want to.... One question that matters: Are these hedges in a lot more shade than when they were first planted? Are there large trees casting heavy shade? If not, then the hedges can be recouped. If so, let me know. (Wish I could stand there and take a look at the different hedges.... Here's the best I can do to explain the dynamics.) When you cut the aboveground parts back, the roots put out new aboveground shoots, as many as they can manage. Each shoot will try to grow "straight up" as fast as possible. When the shoots get to be about half the height you want the hedge to be, cut off the growing end, above a set of leaves. This will get that shoot to put out branches all along the stem. It will bush out, and continue to add more height as well. When it comes to the old woody parts of the hedge, it can be a balancing act. You need to leave *some* aboveground parts to feed the roots, so they can put out the new productive shoots. But you need to get the non-productive stuff out. If the old woody thick stems have younger sprouts coming up from the ground around them, then take a deep breath, and cut the old-thicks to the ground. If that part of the hedge is mostly old-woody, without much in the way of other younger shoots.... Gets trickier. If that's the situation, let me know. "Starting over" is not a crazy thing, but it probably would take at least as long to get something like decent hedges back. And they would not be your dad's hedges......See MorePrivet Hedge Dying Off ?
Comments (9)Hello wisconsitom – Thank you for your response. Here are some additional details… I’m located in Zone 7, Long Island NY. This privet hedge is approximately 2.5 years old and had been healthy (at least in appearance) in the beginning of the Spring. They were purchased from a very good nursery and I believe they were in burlap as opposed to pots but I’m not certain anymore as I had both. I trim them on a regular basis and I believe that I have trimmed the hedge twice this year. This property had been neglected for many years and this entire area had been dead trees, brush, and invasive vines like English Ivy and other species whose names escape me. I cleared the property approximately three years ago and planted a perimeter of various shrubs …I have several sections of Privet around the property. This particular section looked very healthy and full, I have been keeping it low and trimming in a pear shaped formation to make certain the bottom gets sun and stays green. The soil is very fertile, it has excellent drainage and gets a good amount of sun each day. Our spring has been pretty good, I usually supplement water if there is any dry spells. There is no grass within 10 feet of this hedge … I have put down both a pre-emergent and broadleaf control, but not in close proximity. I use arborists wood chips as mulch, but I have not recently mulched this area – this is where I get concerned about the Honey Fungus. The thinning of the leaves was very sudden and I’m concerned whatever is causing it might spread … Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you...See MoreShredded/chipped Chinese privet hedge for mulch/compost?
Comments (4)Lots of possible reasons - shallow fibrous roots sucking out moisture and nutrients, or shade as you mentioned....See More- 16 years ago
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