QUESTION
I have a privet hedge bordering woodland in my front garden. I had a similar
hedge in the rear garden which died last year. Now the front garden hedge is
going the same way. It dies in sections, in each the leaves droop and then turn
brown. We keep it well trimmed, although I do not feed it.
Is there anything that I could do to prevent the hedge dying?
ANSWER
Thank you for your enquiry regarding the problem with your Privet hedge.
This problem could be caused by a number of different things. Based on the
information you have provided this problem could be caused by Privet Trips
during late June to August. The Trips are black or Yellow and suck the sap
from the upper surface of the leaves. This causes the foliage to become dull
green. Damage is more likely to occur in warm, dry summers and can be prevented
by spraying with Forothion when the insects are seen.