Privet hedge

[theforce]

Hello,
We planted some privet hedges earlier last year and cut them down to about a foot as recommended by the shop. They are now over a metre high. Suspect we have missed the boat but when should we prune them next? Also where would you cut the individual branches?
Many thanks

[landscaper2]

Decide on the height you want the hedge, trim off to that and the hedge will begin to thicken up. I wouldnt worry too much about when etc at this stage.

[sense4all]

We moved into somewhere and the hedges had been overgrown for years ... bigger than the pavement. We reduced them to thirty per cent of their size ... had to listen to every whinging git in the neighbourhood. Even though people could not walk on the pavement before, when we cut back to almost bare they re thickened and flourished and were as good as new the next summer. Be brave.