spring pruning privet

Question

How do I prune tall, rangy privet to become a dense privacy shield?

Answer 1

There are 2 basic techniques. 1. is to cut the entire shrub to the ground but this has to be done while it is still dormant. 2. is to remove 1/3 of the oldest branches to the ground yearly. Remove branches that grow in toward the center to open the shrub up to more sunshine. This allows leaves to form on the lower branches and for new shoots to be strong. Don't remove that 50% of the plants leaves.