How to revive pruned Pittosporum hedge?

katekennedy82

We moved in 3 years ago to the most gorgeous Pittosporum hedge at the back. However it just got too tall. We cut quite a bit off it, and it's never recovered. We are watering it, seasoiling it, adding fertiliser as much as we can. I THINK I can see new growth but it just looks brown to me.

Can I bring it back to life? I have included the picture of when we first moved in and it was luscious! 

If it's not possible to bring it back to life, what hedging can we put in will grow back fast as we have now NO privacy!

Thank you!

EricL

Hello @katekennedy82 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your Pittosporum hedge.

It can be challenging to revive a hedge after a hard prune, but Pittosporum is generally a resilient plant, so there’s still hope. The key is patience and consistent care. Since you’re already watering and fertilizing, make sure you’re doing these at the right times and with the appropriate products. A slow-release fertilizer such as Osmocote for Trees, Shrubs & Citrus, is excellent for hedging plants. Combine this with a liquid feed like PowerFeed to boost both root health and foliage growth.

Pruning plays a significant role in recovery. Trim lightly to encourage new shoots, focusing on any areas where you see green growth. Avoid over-pruning as this can stress the plant further. Adding a layer of quality mulch, such as pine bark or sugarcane mulch, will help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. If fungal issues are contributing to the browning, consider applying a product like Yates Anti Rot to manage any potential root diseases.

If the hedge doesn’t bounce back, you may want to replace it with faster-growing alternatives. Lilly Pillie's or Murraya are popular hedging options that grow quickly, are dense, and respond well to regular trimming. These are readily available at Bunnings and thrive in similar conditions to Pittosporum. Another option is a Viburnum Tinus, which is hardy, fast-growing, and produces lovely flowers.

Your Pittosporum hedge might just need a little more time and care to recover, but if replacement becomes necessary, these alternatives will quickly provide the lush, green screen you’re looking for.

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when spraying chemicals.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric