I recently trimmed my hedge that was growing sideway. Rather growing sideway i want to grow it vertically and full. After trimming i kind of fell that there are more branches with less leaves. Maybe because of the recent trim. Is it normal ? is it the winter ? will the leaves start to grow in spring and summer ? PowerFeed Hose On Liquid Fertiliser was recommended to use. Is there better option ? My ears are open for any good advice.
Hi @HarithK92,
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.
This looks like a Pittosporum hedge, and I suspect the recent trimming has quite a lot to do with what you're seeing. You've cut through virtually every main stem of the plants. That's a fairly significant prune rather than a light trim, so some stress and temporary decline following it wouldn't be unexpected. We're also still in winter, when Pittosporums aren't actively growing as strongly and recovery from pruning will be much slower.
At this stage, I wouldn't be too concerned or do anything drastic. Keep the plants adequately watered if conditions are dry and give them some time. As the weather warms and they move into their spring growth period, I'd expect to see new shoots developing below the cuts and the hedge gradually filling out again.
Once you have plenty of healthy new growth, you can start gradually shaping the hedge again. Try to concentrate on trimming the softer outer growth to encourage it to branch and thicken up, rather than cutting straight through all of the main stems at the same height. Regular, lighter trims as it grows should allow you to develop a dense, even hedge without putting the plants under the same level of stress.
I'd avoid any further pruning for now and reassess once you start seeing that new spring growth. An application of https://www.bunnings.com.au/powerfeed-2-x-2l-hose-on-liquid-fertiliser-twin-pack_p2990058 will certainly help to provide the nutrients it needs to push that spring growth, just make sure to aim the spray at the soil, not the leaves, as the soil is the root zone is where the nutrients are absorbed.
Check out https://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/garden/landscaping/how-to-trim-hedges for some further guidance.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
Jacob
Just being curious @HarithK92 - do you know when they were planted?
Hi @JacobZ Yes its Pittosporum. Thanks for the reply.
Hi @Noyade
I think around 8 years back.
Hi @JacobZ
I saw these branches today with the white spots and compared to other branches these ones have no new growth. Is it normal ?
Those branches appear to be dead. You can confirm this by scraping back the bark to see if the flesh is moist and green or dry and white, although it seems quite clear from what I can see.
I'd suggest these branches can be removed to create space for new ones.
