Trimming privet cuttings

[derrynoose]

I have recently planted out some privet hedging which I grew from slips. At what stage should I shorten the shoots?

[Thunderbird+]

Hi, To achieve a good dense hedge it's essential to do some early formative pruning to build up a good suppply of shoots from the base.
I would prune them back fairly hard this year by about 50% of their height then allow them to thicken up.

Next year, Clip them lightly 3 or 4 times between may and august.
"In a nut shell" Build up to the desired height gradually rather than let it run up to that height and then start pruning.
Good Luck. Tbird+

[RATTER15]

I concur entirely with Tbird