Ligustrum is an excellent plant, also known as privet, which comes quite handy in many applications from hedges to topiary and ornamental purposes. It requires pruning not to sustain the form and to be healthy and beautiful.

Understanding Ligustrum

But before entering into the pruning techniques, let's discuss some basics of the plant called Ligustrum. The Ligustrum genus contains a group of fast-growing, dense, evergreen, or deciduous shrubs and small trees. It has many uses in landscape design because it is easy to grow and quite hardy.

Why Prune Ligustrum?

Pruning has several effects on Ligustrum:

  • Maintains the plant within desired dimensions and promotes a neat appearance.
  • This trimming removes dead, diseased, or damaged branches to provide the entire plant with its needed health.
  • Thinning the branches out permits air to pass through and the penetration of light, reducing the possibility of disease.
  • Thinning promotes new growth of healthy branches and foliage.

When to Prune Ligustrum

Prune Ligustrum plants during late winter or early spring, before new growth. This allows time for regrowth to become established before the next growing season. Light pruning can take place in late summer if necessary, but avoid heavy pruning that will cause stress to the plant going into winter.

Tools Needed

  • Pruning Shears: For small branches and detailed work.
  • Loppers: For branches up to 2 inches in diameter.
  • Pruning Saw: For thick branches or stems.
  • Gloves: To protect your hands from thorns or scrappy branches.
  • Disinfectant: Dip tools in between cuts to avoid the transmission of diseases.
  • Examine the Plant: Take a good look at your Ligustrum to see if it has any dead, diseased, or broken branches. Take particular notice where thinning might allow more air and light into the middle.

Steps

Remove dead or diseased wood. Any dead or diseased branches should be cut out at the first opportunity. Cut back to healthy wood or the base of the plant. Make sure to disinfect your tools between each cut to prevent the further spread of disease. Thin out the plant. Crossed, rubbing, and overcrowded branches are removed to provide air circulation. Trim for an open structure that lets light penetrate through the plant. Shape the Plant. Neaten edges to maintain the desired shape and size. With hedge trimmers, cut hedges to a neat, even surface. On topiary, follow the shape you are creating. Cut back long or leggy branches to a healthy bud or lateral branch. This will encourage new shoots to grow and keep a dense, bushy appearance. Dispose of all pruned material from around the plant. It prevents diseases and pests from establishing themselves in the plant.

Tips to Prune Successfully

  • Prune Regularly. Light but frequent pruning is always better than heavy but infrequent pruning. It maintains health and form.
  • Don't Over-Prune. Never remove more than one-third of the foliage from a plant at a time. This will stress the plant by preventing it from growing proficiently.
  • Cut at a slight angle and away from buds so that water does not sit on the cut surface, which may lead to rot. Finally, avoid heavy pruning during the late summer or fall because it encourages new growth, making the growth tender and unlikely to harden off in time for winter.

Common Pruning Mistakes to Avoid

Pruning at the Wrong Time may promote weak growth that cannot harden off in time for winter when it is pruned heavily in late summer or fall. Make clean cuts at an angle so that it will promote healing and prevent disease. Work with the growth habits of the plant. This way you aren't forcing it into an unnatural shape. Read more about  ‘Top 5 Trees For Privacy in Your Landscape’.

How to Order Plants From Eureka Farms? 

We have an extensive collection of landscape trees, palm trees, fruit trees, and indoor plants at Eureka Farms. If you're planning to upgrade your outdoor setup or add a distinctive touch to your patio, our online plant nursery has you covered. From topiary trees to privacy trees, we have a diverse collection of plants at competitive prices. With our convenient online ordering system, you can effortlessly receive your plants within days. We guarantee healthy and thriving conditions upon arrival. Trust us to carefully pack and ship nationwide, making sure your plants reach you in fresh condition.