How to Kill a Chinese Privet Hedge

Weed control is critical to the success of any gardening project. Invasive species can move into a growing area and threaten the health and lives of the plants you're trying to cultivate. Chinese privet hedge is just such an invasive weed, common in low-lying wet areas, such as river and stream floodplains, lake shores and the edges of swamps and marshes. When this species is found in your lawn or garden, you can remove it with a few simple steps.

Things You'll Need

• Herbicide

Instructions

1. Purchase an approved herbicide that is labeled for Chinese privet hedge control. Foliar sprays with imazapyr and glyphosate, stem-applied herbicides that contain imazapyr and
   triclopyr, or stump-applied herbicides with mazapyr, triclopyr or glyphosate are all recommended for control of Chinese privet. Due to variations in state herbicide regulations, some of these formulations may not be available to you. If more than one type is available, herbicide choices should be based on the size of the privet hedge; if a hedge is young and short, foliar applications are best while stump and stem applications are ideal for taller plants with foliage that cannot be reached with a sprayer.

2. Apply the herbicide, according to the manufacturer's directions. Stem herbicides are ideal for privet hedges that are very tall or for application during the dormant season and are most effective when applied to the bottom 12 to 18 inches of the privet stems. Note that for stump herbicides, you will need to cut down the hedge first to access the inner wood of the stump; stump herbicides should be applied to the privet stump as soon after cutting down the privet as possible.

3. Repeat herbicide applications as needed and in accordance with the product labeling. If you applied the herbicide after the privet propagated a new generation of hedges or some of the herbicide was lost due to drift or rainfall, a repeat application may be necessary. Never exceed the amount or frequency of applications recommended by the manufacturer's application instructions.

References

• USDA Plant Guide: Chinese Privet
• University of Florida IFAS Extension; Biology and Management of Chinese Privet; Rick Williams & Patrick Minogue
• University of Florida IFAS Extension; Chinese privet, Ligustrum sinense, Prospects for Classical Biological Control in the Southeastern United States; J.P. Cuda & M.C. Zeller