Can I cut back privet shrubs just after planting

Question

Shrubs are too tall and nothing growing from bottom

Answer 1

Cutting back privet now is OK. Instead of just removing some of the top growth, remove a few of the largest stems to the ground. This opens up the shrub letting in more light which triggers new leafy growth. Old wood doesn't bloom as well as younger wood so annually removing old wood helps to keep privet blooming vigorously.