Privet removal the easy way

I know you have said you don't want to remove completely but if you did you could advertise your hedge on Ebay as potential Bonsai material and maybe make a few pounds and have someone else dig it out for you.



(I borrowed this photo off the internet, not sure if I am breaking copyright laws, my apologies to admin if I am and please remove if you need to.)

 

Best not to do it like this though!

 

Kristen, that video was priceless. Painful and so funny. But dId nobody there anticipate what was obvious?

 

Kristen. Just watched the rest.....can't stop.laughing..

 

I'm not trying that with the Fiesta.

 

Quite ... I'd love to see a picture of a Ford FlatchBack

 

I'm currently lowering my 80-90ft long privet hedge. The trick is with cutting it is to try and get to the centre of the growth. All the little twiggy bits you have been cutting away are the top growth and will take you forever to do. The best tools for the job is a pair of pruners, loppers (not the telescopic handle ones) and a pruning saw. Don't use a bow saw as you won't be able to fit it in some of the growth. I use one like this one



I've found that I use the saw more than any of the other tools as I'm just sawing away the central stems. Make a hole into the bit you want clearing away the twiggy growth to gain access to the central stems and then saw it off. I don't like using power tools on the hedge either as I find them more dangerous than hand tools but it's quite simple to remove growth quickly once you get an opening forming.

Should post a photo really of the work I've done as it sort of gives you a cross section of the structure of the hedge.

 

OMG, and I thought I had problems! I guess mine's only 50' at most.

 

IF you want a power tool I recommend a Reciprocating Saw (fitted with the rough wood-cutting blade).



e.g. http://www.screwfix.com/p/makita-jr3050t-2-1010w-240v-reciprocating-saw/27338

 

And you don't have to worry about the next door neighbour who hasn't noticed half of the hedge has disappeared yet.

Once you get going you will be fine. Although I have a few blisters on my fingers already.



Here's a picture of what work I've done so far. It shows a cross section of the hedge. You can see where the twiggy bits join the main stems. Aim for the main stems and you should have it done in no time. Cut it a foot lower than you want it to allow for the soft twiggy growth which will be cut with your hedgetrimmer.