How to create a hedge from pittosporum trees?

JScott

We’re currently extending a deck, including a section (in progress in photo) for a built in BBQ and pizza oven. Behind the deck are established pittosporin trees for screening, however they have thinned to trunks at the height of where the side of the deck is. I was hoping for this to be more of a hedge. How do I get them to thicken up in the trunk area? Or do I plant additional plants below, but what sort will survive if below these trees and sheltered by the seats/bbq of the deck? Or do I need to remove these and start again with new trees (reluctant to do this and have no screening to cover fence or provide privacy). Ideas welcome!

EricL

Hello @JScott 

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

It’s great that you’re thinking ahead about your privacy and how to work with your existing pittosporums. To encourage thickening at the lower trunk area, you can try hard pruning — cutting them back quite hard just above the height you want the dense growth to start. Bunnings stocks products like the Fiskars PowerGear Hedge Shears or Cyclone Bypass Loppers, which would be perfect for this. 
 

After pruning, give them a boost with a liquid fertiliser like Seasol or Yates Thrive Natural All Purpose Liquid Plant Food, which encourages vigorous regrowth. However, pittosporums can be stubborn about re-sprouting from woody trunks if they’re older, so a backup plan is smart. You could underplant with hardy, shade-tolerant shrubs. Options like Lilly Pillies (such as Syzygium Resilience), Camellia Sasanqua (compact varieties), or Viburnum Dense Fence are all available at Bunnings and do well in filtered light under trees. 

These would eventually grow to fill in the gaps and provide extra screening without needing to rip everything out and start again. When planting under the deck, make sure the new plants get enough water, especially at the start, since the area might be a bit dry and protected from rain.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric