Privet (species of Ligustrum) is a classic choice for creating a fast-growing, living screen due to its dense foliage and adaptability. As a hedge, this shrub is valued for its ability to form a continuous, opaque barrier that provides both privacy and a formal structure. The most significant factor determining the success of a uniform and thick privet hedge is the distance between each planted shrub. Correct density ensures they quickly grow together into a cohesive wall rather than developing as separate specimens.
Calculating the Ideal Planting Distance
The standard recommendation for achieving a dense, single-row privet hedge is to space the plants between 12 and 18 inches apart, measured from the center of one plant to the center of the next. Placing the plants closer together, at the 12-inch mark, encourages faster establishment of a solid screen by forcing the branches to interlace sooner. This close spacing is beneficial for creating a formal, impenetrable boundary.
Wider spacing, such as 18 to 24 inches, is suitable for larger varieties of privet or if the goal is a more informal, looser border that can take longer to fill in completely. When using smaller plants, often called bare-root whips, it is common practice to plant in a dense, staggered double row to ensure coverage down to the soil line. This zigzag pattern requires alternating the plants in two parallel lines with a similar spacing between plants within the row.
When determining the exact measurement, it is crucial to measure from the stem center of one privet to the stem center of the next, regardless of the size of the rootball or container. For instance, planting 12 inches apart means the rootballs will be close, encouraging the plants to compete and grow upward and outward together. Proper spacing ensures each plant receives adequate light and air circulation, preventing the lower leaves from thinning out due to overcrowding.
Preparing the Planting Trench
Before the privet plants are spaced out, preparing the ground as a linear trench is far more effective than digging individual holes. A continuous trench allows for easier planting and encourages the roots to grow uniformly along the hedge line. The trench should be dug approximately two feet wide and to a depth that is about one spade blade deep or twice the height of the root ball.
This generous width provides ample space for initial root spread and allows for soil amendment along the entire length of the hedge. Privet thrives in well-draining soil, so the excavated earth should be mixed with organic matter, such as compost or manure, to improve drainage and nutrient retention. The bottom of the trench should be loosened to prevent compaction, which can impede root establishment and lead to waterlogging.
Once the soil is amended and placed back into the trench, the plants should be positioned so that the point where the stem meets the roots, known as the root collar or flare, is level with the surrounding garden soil. Planting too deep can suffocate the roots and lead to stem rot, while planting too shallow can cause the roots to dry out quickly. Bare-root privet should be planted as quickly as possible after purchase.
Immediate Aftercare for Density
The first steps immediately following planting are directed toward encouraging lateral growth and ensuring the hedge establishes a strong root system. After backfilling the trench with amended soil, the newly planted privet must be watered deeply to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate air pockets. This initial saturation establishes the necessary soil-to-root contact.
Following the deep watering, a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or shredded bark, should be applied over the planting area. The mulch layer helps to conserve soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds that compete with the young privet for water and nutrients. It is important to keep the mulch pulled back a few inches from the plant stems to prevent moisture buildup that could encourage fungal diseases.
The most important step for long-term density is the initial pruning, which should be performed immediately after planting. Privet, especially bare-root stock, should have its top growth cut back by approximately one-third to one-half of its height. This technique, known as formative pruning, signals the plant to divert energy into lateral bud break rather than just upward growth. By encouraging numerous side shoots close to the ground, this action ensures the hedge will be thick and bushy from the base up.