Reviving an Old Hedge

Question

I have moved house and gained an old, bare in places Cotoneaster simonsii hedge, about 10 feet tall. Can I improve the density and look of the hedge or will I have to dig it up?

Answer 1

You can improve it by using rejuvination techniques. With this bush, rejuvenation takes about 2-3 years. Each year, remove 1/3 of the plant, taking the largest branches first and moving down in size until 1/3 of the plant has been removed. This forces the plant to grow new, more full branches. Repeat this process every spring until the plant has filled in as much as you like. This process normally take 2-3 years to get the plant to really fill in.