Greetings Cindy,

Early spring is the best time to fertilize privet. A nice thick layer of compost would be a good place to start and may provide enough nutrients all by itself. You could also add some slow-release granular fertilizer, one that contains phosphorous, potassium, and a fairly high percentage of nitrogen to promote healthy leaf growth. Osmocote and Miracle-Gro both have popular versions of this type of fertilizer.

Privet can handle a lot of pruning - once heavily in early spring and another 2-3 times during the summer months. At some point you may even wish to complete a severe rejuvenation pruning in the spring, cutting your hedge down to approximately 6-12 inches and allowing it to regrow. From looking at your pictures, this year you may want to cut another foot or two off the top of your hedge to avoid leaning.

Applying a few inches of arborist mulch in March or April before the ground dries is another tip to help keep your hedge well hydrated this summer and this will also hold your compost/fertilizer in place so that your plants receive the maximum benefit.

Happy gardening,