Trimming the North Privet

North privet (Ligustrum x ibolium) is a fast-growing but often overlooked deciduous hedge. Unlike the popular common privet (L. vulgare), Chinese privet (L. sinense) and other privet species, North privet isn't a landscape-invading pest and is generally well-behaved. Like these other privet species, however, it does need regular trimming to keep it tidy and attractive. With the proper care, the North privet forms a neat, dense, emerald green barrier between you and unwanted views.

Pruning shears or hedge trimmers
Gloves
Eye protection

Instructions

- 1
  Remove roughly one-third to one-half of a newly installed privet's height just after planting. The following spring, trim one-third to one-half the previous season's growth before new leaves appear. This encourages generous growth at the North privet's base and provides a solid branching framework for the future hedge.
- 2
  
  This hedge is in dire need of a trim.
  
  Trim the privet at least twice each year, in spring and late to mid-summer. North privets can grow up to 3 feet annually; if you have a young, rapidly growing shrub, trim it before the new growth reaches 8 to 12 inches.
- 3
  Make even, sweeping cuts within 2 inches of the previous trimming. Don't remove too much of the privet at once or you'll expose the interior branches.
- 4
  Shape a growing privet before it reaches full size. Shaping a North privet after it reaches the appropriate height scalps the exterior leaves, weakens the interior branches and creates a patchy, thin base.
- 5
  
  The top-heavy hedges flanking this entryway are thinning at the base.
  
  Trim the shrub so that the privet is wider at the base than at the crown; this allows sunlight to reach the lowest leaves and prevents bare areas near the trunk.

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