Privet (Ligustrum) are very invasive, weedy shrubs in our region and should not be planted; we recommend you replace the plant if at all possible. Given how adaptable they tend to be, though, you can likely prune it back severely (to within a foot of the ground or lower) and still have it regrow. Mites tend to be a passing issue and won't likely recur to the same extent (at least not until late summer if the weather is equally hot and dry), so trimming does not need to occur for this reason. Mildew is similarly fairly weather-dependent and the only benefit trimming would have is to improve air circulation through its branches by decreasing their density, which can help to desiccate fungal spores before they enter a leaf. This can be done now .

Removing the shade source from the spruce trees will help provide more sun and the shrubs could regrow more densely. 

If you prefer to grow a golden-leaved shrub, good alternatives for its replacement include:

• Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) variety 'Tiger Eyes'
• several varieties of Eastern Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)
• varieties of European Smokebush (Cotinus coggygria), such as 'Golden Spirit' or 'Winecraft Gold'
• several varieties of Glossy Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora)
• several varieties of Weigela (Weigela florida)
• a few varieties of Elderberry (Sambucus)

Emily

It looks like they continue to get thinner in the interior of the plants and there is no growth at the bottom. I’ve removed 3 of the less healthy spruce trees. I’ll wait a month or so and see if they regain density.

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