How to fill holes in hedge?

spud

Can anyone suggest how to fill holes in a thin, mature privet hedge that borders the end of our garden and the next? Our side has growth but the other seems mainly wood. Holes are approx 6 inches in diameter in a few places. Anything we could do to help it fill out or maybe grow something else up & through it?
Any advice appreciated.

shegar

Plant honeysuckle it will grow through the hedge, also put some more privet in to fill the gaps, I put a ivy in mine and it as thickened the hedge nicely plus its a ideal place for nesting birds......

cyclonebri1

Privet needs nothing growing up it or through it, sorry to the earlier poster.

It simply needs light, and it will fill it's own gaps.
Regular clipping will quickly cover the gaps with new growth.

Is this a new hedge to you?, sound like it has been miss managed to me.;);)

spud

Yes, the hedge is new to us when we moved in late last year. It appears to have been well looked after and clipped by the old owner. However, it borders ourselves and two other gardens, those gardens have trees and buildings close by so probably prevent light getting to their side. As that's outside my control, am I best taking the option of growing ivy up through as suggested?

sobie

I agree with Cyclone - just clip it regulary once a fortnight. Remember to leave the bottom wider than the top so it looks like ^ but square the top.

If you try and grow something in it you'll likely end up with bigger patches as the privet gets even less light, and clipping will be awkward too.

demystified

I have to agree with earlier posters regular trimming will thicken it up, the only thing that leads to gaps is lack of trimming and/or severe shade.

Otherwise priviet is as tough as old boots.

spud

Thanks for the advice. We'll keep it well trimmed this year as suggested :beer:

cyclonebri1

spud wrote: »

Yes, the hedge is new to us when we moved in late last year. It appears to have been well looked after and clipped by the old owner. However, it borders ourselves and two other gardens, those gardens have trees and buildings close by so probably prevent light getting to their side. As that's outside my control, am I best taking the option of growing ivy up through as suggested?

No IMHO absolutely No, or your next post will be about how to control ivy, and in a hedge that is difficult:D