• Overview



  • In this video, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook explains how to prune a privet hedge.


    Steps:

    1 Use loppers to remove one-third of the older stems, so sunlight can penetrate the hedge's interior.
    2 Find long stems that grow out of hedge, and snip them close to the ground.
    3 Where one stem branches into two, cut just above the Y-shaped split.
    4 Continue cutting older stems, but leave new growth.
    5 Use hand pruners to thin stems.
    6 Place clippings in trash bags.
    7 Next spring, apply a shrub fertilizer.
    8 Next summer, repeat pruning by removing one-third of the large stems.
    See products and services from this episode.
    • Difficulty: Easy to moderate
      The work is pleasant enough, especially on a warm, breezy day, although it can become monotonous after a few hours

    Related Content

Ask TOH users about Trees & Shrubs
Discuss

Contribute to This Story Below

Add Comment

    Video Directory

    Selected Topic/Section

      Tools List

      Close
      • lopper
        Loppers
      • bypass pruners
        Hand pruners

      Shopping List

      Close
      1. Stepladder

      used to reach high branches



      2. Plastic trash bags

      used to collect hedge clippings