Privet Clumps

digger714

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Hello everyone. I have a customer that decided to replace their front of house landscaping scheme, and so i dug these privets up in case they might be worth it. I dont see alot here, but wanted to post some pics so i could get some input on anything to do with them. Here are pics of two of them. Ill get some more on here. I would think you would pick a trunk,and take away all others? any suggestions? Thanks
 

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digger714

Shohin
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After cleaning all the small roots off that were growing on the trunk. I can definately see some trunklines in there. These could really be some nice material. Should i go ahead and start taking off the branches, or let the tree recover for a year, and then start reducing the unwanted branches? Then, would i take the branch all the way to the trunk, or even into it with a knob cutter? or, would i leave a stub for another season, then take down to the branch? Also, since I cut the branches down so far, how much of the root mass can be reduced? There are alot of roots growing out of the future trunk. Is it ok to take these off if there are lots of roots under them? Thanks again.
 
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nip

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Since you've already removed the foliage, you may as well cut them down to the desire trunk line. Privets can handle some serious abuse. Your main concern will be getting the wounds to heal without heavy rotting. My privet uses more water than any of my other trees, so water it well but try to avoid wetting the trunk/foliage. Root treatment is up to you. If you've already potted them, just wait till next spring to attack the roots.
I would leave a stub of heartwood and then carve it back as the tree heals to prevent a lump.
 
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rockm

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Cutting down to the trunk (s) would be a good thing to do now if they're recently collected.

Privets are tough, as was said. They can take it.

Also, what kind of soil do you have this in?
 

digger714

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I am using a soil mix for cactus trees. Its very fast draining. I mixed in some sand, and small pebbles into the mix for extra drainage. I had to add a little more plain cactus mix to the top to cover the roots. Here are some pics after i cleaned them up. THere are some with trunks over 4" across.
 

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rockm

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CActus mix is a bonsai killer...It might seem appropriate for bonsai, but it's really not. It's too fine grained and still holds water. Pebbles aren't a good idea either, unless they're pebbles from crushed rock--angular in shape, not smooth.

In any case, since this is privet, all bets are off. This stuff grows in just about anything...
 

digger714

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Thats good info rockm. Thanks alot. Id rather of used my bonsai soil, but would be way too expensive to plant them in. What do you recommend as a good substitute until they recover? and can put in smaller pots, and use better soil. Would a potting soil be ok? THanks again.
 

rockm

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Bonsai soil is what I use--find a cheaper source if you're buying it by the baggie online or at a "bonsai nursery" at the mall. You can make ten gallons of bonsai soil for what those outfits charge to ship it to you. As for ingredients, the list is not set in stone. Use what's local. For a basic mix You need: a water retaining, yet porous angular ingredient (Turface, haydite, etc.) an organic component (composted pine bark soil conditioner, baby orchid bark) and a sharp component (sharp sand NOT play sand or buliding sand I use swimming pool filter sand which is crushed quartz) pumice or lava rock.

You can't use much else. Potting soil is even worse than cactus mix. I've made 30 or 40 gallons of basic mix for under $30 or so...Ask local growers what they use (local clubs will probably be glad to help show you the specifics they're using).
 

digger714

Shohin
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I buy it by the 5 gallon bucket, and its 24.00 each. I thought these would probably use almost a whole bucket, but that is much better. Thanks for the hookup. Ive seen the soil i use retail for 45 or so, but i get it at a good price. anyway, thanks again rockm.
 
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