Knowledgebase

When to prune a privet hedge #921911

Asked November 13, 2025, 3:51 PM EST

I have a privet that has been neglected for years. I want to start pruning it to get it under control. When is the best time of year to do major trimming back on it?

Denver County Colorado

Expert Response

Pruning of a privet hedge can be done in either early spring or late fall/winter.  Late fall/winter is ideal for renewal pruning which you state your shrub needs.  Included is a Plant Talk Colorado article from CSU on Pruning Shrubs which you may find helpful.
https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/trees-shrubs-vines/1713-pruning-shrubs/
Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied November 18, 2025, 3:29 PM EST

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