When to trim damaged Pittosporum hedge?

Question

We have an established Pittosporum hedge that did not get enough water during the recent heat wave and some of the leaves have died off. When would be best to trim back those damaged sections? Reading up on general advice I see that spring is usually recommended for a trim, but I'm not sure if that advice changes when there's some acute damage.

Thanks!

Oburodon · Answer

Fantastic, thanks @JacobZ. I might trim some individual branches with secateurs, but I'll keep the hedge trimmers away until spring.

JacobZ · Answer

Hi @Oburodon,

During summer, pruning Pittosporum needs to be kept light and targeted. It is possible to prune now, but only to remove material that is clearly dead. Dead branches can be cut out at any time of year, including summer, without harming the plant. This helps reduce stress and allows the hedge to focus its energy on healthy tissue.

What should be avoided in summer is general trimming or shaping. Cutting back living growth during hot weather can expose inner foliage and stems to sunburn and increase water stress. Even though Pittosporum is generally tough, a hedge that has already been affected by heat and lack of water is more vulnerable to further damage if pruned too hard now.

Once the hedge has stabilised and begun to recover, broader trimming is best left until late winter or early spring. By then, temperatures are milder and the plant is ready to put on new growth, which allows it to respond well to pruning and fill in evenly. Until that point, limiting summer work to the removal of dead branches only is the safest approach.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob