Much as their name implies, privet hedges are meant to create a sense of privacy. These are often used to create attractive borders around lawns and properties that keep household residents blocked from view in a way that a traditional fencing structure cannot. Lush and beautiful throughout much of the year, however, fast growing hedges do indeed require a considerable amount of work. Following are some very important things to remember about this foliage whether you’ve got plans on planting it or simply need to know how to better maintain the hedges you already have.
It is important to note that this type of foliage is not evergreen when it is planted in any true, four-season climate. Throughout the four seasons of the year, these plants will look their best during the spring and the summer. With diligent watering and more temperate weather, they may even be quite beautiful towards the beginning of fall. After this time has passed, you can expect all of the leaves to fall away. This is always a great time to go ahead and start pruning them back.
Among some of the other factors that you want to note is that certain options in these plants are poisonous to both humans and various types of wild animals. This shouldn’t really be a problem unless you’re overtaken by the desire to nibble on their leaves. If you’re attempting to get licensed for daycare, however, this certainly isn’t the type of foliage you want to own.
People should also understand that these plants are invasive in many regions. They are not traditionally from here and thus, there are no natural competitors to beat them back. You shouldn’t have much of a problem controlling them in your yard, but if you intend to plant them on a larger and less-maintained property, you will definitely want to keep this characteristic firmly in mind. This is especially true whenever there are any well-founded fears of having these plants encroach on the space of other planted organisms.
When it comes to maintenance, make sure that you are never using hand-held pruners or sheers. Although these tools are capable of keeping a hedge tiny, it also expedites the production of buds near the edges of the plant. As these buds multiple, the hedge will become too thick to allow sunlight to penetrate it deeply. This in turn, prevents growth at the interior, which can be exceedingly problematic.
Clip every branch at a forty-five degree angle instead. This will leave plenty of space for air and light so that the interior of the hedge can be just as robust as the outside. This might not be the easiest way to create the smooth, even and ultimate uniform look that you’re going for, but it will keep the entire structure healthy from the inside out.
You also want to take special concerns with structures that have seriously become overgrown. These will need to be rejuvenated from a more aggressive form of pruning. You can use the three-year rule to establish the right pruning schedule. Approximately one-third of all the very thickest stems should be taken off near the base of the hedge.
These efforts will stimulate new growth while allowing for a much more balanced and even appearance. It will also protect the health of the plant by ensuring that no single area has become too robust. This will need to be repeated once each year for no less than three years. When this span of time is up, the shrub will be healthy and significantly smaller in size.
