Privets

[Newtothis]

Just wondering when's it's best to take off the bands on my newly planted privets?

 

[Oliver Buckle]

Not sure what 'bands' this refers to, but if it is some sort of restriction I reckon they could do without it if planted. Are you planting them as stand alone bushes or a hedge? If it is a hedge you want to trim early and regularly. Each time you cut the growing tip off it will send two side shoots out and give body to the hedge, if you leave it too long it will grow tall sticks with a hedge along the top.

 

[Newtothis]

Not sure what 'bands' this refers to, but if it is some sort of restriction I reckon they could do without it if planted. Are you planting them as stand alone bushes or a hedge? If it is a hedge you want to trim early and regularly. Each time you cut the growing tip off it will send two side shoots out and give body to the hedge, if you leave it too long it will grow tall sticks with a hedge along the top.
[/QUOTE

Not sure what 'bands' this refers to, but if it is some sort of restriction I reckon they could do without it if planted. Are you planting them as stand alone bushes or a hedge? If it is a hedge you want to trim early and regularly. Each time you cut the growing tip off it will send two side shoots out and give body to the hedge, if you leave it too long it will grow tall sticks with a hedge along the top.

The bands are what locks the shrub to the grow stick

 

[Oliver Buckle]

The stick is there to support the plant until it has an established root system. Realistically damage is only likely to be from strong winds You can assume it is established underground when the plant has put on significant growth above ground. Don't leave it so long that the band becomes tight around the trunk and restricts it, or that there is so much growth you can not get to it, but until then it will do the plant no harm to leave it.