Privet Hedge

[johnnytheboy]

I have a huge privet hedge to deal with in my back garden, just need a starter for ten, whats best for chopping it down? chain saw, hand saw, loppers?

Whats the best for digging the roots out, mattock, pick, fork??


Thanks again John

 

[Mesquite]

I have a huge privet hedge to deal with in my back garden, just need a starter for ten, whats best for chopping it down? chain saw, hand saw, loppers?

Whats the best for digging the roots out, mattock, pick, fork??


Thanks again John

If you're going to chop it right down then the best way to do it is chainsaw it then grub the roots out with a mattock and spade. Hand saw and loppers is quite slow in comparison. The easiest way though is to get a hand winch, put a chain or rope round the base of the plant and yank it out in one go then chop it up afterwards.

I've reduced privet using a chainsaw and loppers as well. It's a very forgiving plant and will bounce back after some seriously hard pruning.

 

[sapper1]

I find a ratchet strap of the type used by lorry drivers works very well.

 

[Peter_t]

chainsaw all the way just be carefull of kickback, theres lots of bits for the saw to kick off in a hedge, if that makes any sence lol
matock is the best or just an axe you dont mind destroying it. use a decent spade, your usual B&Q jobby will probably bend within minutes. a graft is the best type of spade to use.

i agree with Mesquite, if its just too big just hack it back and it will grow back quickly

pete

 

[locum76]

have you considered napalm?

 

[stijnb]

if u leave them in one piece(just remove the branches), they're easier to dig out

 

[Wayland]

have you considered napalm?

Or dynamite.......

 

[Toddy]

I generally find the individual plants and thrust the spade through the roots all around and then they just pull out. Sometimes you have to pull the plant to one side to clear the under roots. Start at one end of the hedge and just work along to the other.

It's good basketry making stuff if the withies have been left to grow long.

cheers,
Toddy

 

[locum76]

yeah wayland - sounds good to me. I can't stand privet.

One thing to consider though is that it is an excellent habitat for hedge sparrows and other small birds like thrushes because a thick privet offers good sheltered nesting potential. A haven from bloodthirsty moggies.

If you take out the hedge it might be worth leaving one bush, or even a big bunch or branches in the corner of the garden as shelter for said birds...

Rob

 

[Shewie]

Remember to save the stick insects first

 

[johnnytheboy]

Thanks for all the help folk, some privet hedge distruction to happen soon

 

[andywinkk]

When i was a lad i made a really good powerfull bow with a large privit branch,
and just today i found a large privit on waist land so i am going to go back and take a peice and have another go,
why dont you put some to good use and try it for your self