Q How should we reduce our huge privet hedge?
A CHRISTINE SAYS I would tackle this over a two- or threeyear period. Prune one side the first year, to within 30cm of the centre, and the other a couple of years later, once you can see new growth on the pruned shoots. Do it in late winter before birds start nesting. Hard pruning both sides would be too much and could cause the plants to die. Feed with a slow-release fertiliser or manure, and keep the hedge well watered during this renovation period.