Planting Ligustrum Japonicum

Ligustrum japonicum, or Japanese privet, is grown as a shrub or small tree. It grows rapidly into a dense hedge or a small, multi-stemmed tree. With careful pruning and age, the tree takes on the appearance of an over-sized bonsai. Native to Japan and Asia, it is considered invasive in several states. The black berries are eaten by birds in the winter, spreading the seeds across the southeast. A member of the oleander plant family, North Carolina Cooperative Extension's website reports that Japanese privet berries are highly poisonous.

Measuring tape
Stakes
Hammer
Twine
Ribbon
Shovel
Mulch
Drip-watering system

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the line of the hedge, keeping it 3 to 4 feet from the property line. Drive a stake into the ground at each end. Stretch twine between the stakes to mark the planting area.
- 2
  Tie a ribbon every 5 feet along the twine. This indicates where to plant each of the Japanese privet shrubs.
- 3
  Dig each planting hole twice the diameter and to the same depth as the root ball. Fill with water and allow to soak into the soil.
- 4
  Remove the outer wrapper and soak the roots of bare-root Japanese privet in a bucket of water for an hour.
- 5
  Mound the soil in the center of the planting hole. Carefully spread the roots and place the shrub in the hole, aligning with the ribbon marking the 5-foot spacing. Backfill, tamping firmly. Water thoroughly.
- 6
  Unroll the hose for the drip-watering system, arranging it along the hedge line. Install one emitter per shrub.
- 7
  Surround each shrub with 3 inches of mulch in a 2-foot diameter circle, pulling the mulch back 6 inches from the stem.
- 8
  Water when the soil is dry to the touch. Japanese privet is drought-tolerant once established.

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