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Too late to prune privet?

15 years ago

I live in Zone 7 - Northeast Coastal Region. I have a very well established privet hedge that has been pruned twice this season. It is in fabulous shape - very thick, green and tall. My landscaper had planned to give it a third shearing but hasn't gotten to it yet. It isn't really calling out for a third pruning. Some of its branches have grown out of their shaped form. Most look okay.

Is it too late to cut it back again this season? It is a very expensive job and I would love to let it go until Spring. I don't want to encourage growth at this point since fall is upon us and it will be losing its leaves soon anyway.

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Comment (1)

Dibbit
15 years ago
If it were me, I think I would trim back the longer, wayward shoots, to a point just inside the limit of the hedge (at a larger branch, etc., in accordance with good pruning practices), and then let the next "haircut" wait until spring. If the looks aren't bothering you, and you don't need or want a tight, very formal look, then I would save the money and effort. As you say, it will soon lose its leaves anyway....
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