How Do You Prune a Wax Leaf Privet

Trim privet hedges in early spring, shearing them into a shape that is narrow on top and wider at the base. This shape allows sunlight to hit all parts of the privet, so lower growth isn’t shaded out. Cut them back by at least 6 inches with pruning shears.

When should privet be cut back?

Pruning them back 6 to 8 inches from the ground in early spring as new growth begins promotes branching at the base of the plant and encourages root growth to help new privet shrubs establish themselves in your garden. Every time your privets put on a foot of new growth, trim them back 6 inches.

How do you shape a privet bush?

1. Use your pruning shears to cut your privet shrub down to a height of 6 to 8 inches. …
2. Use your pruning shears to cut away about half of the privet’s new growth the following year, during the growing season.