Sad little privet not growing - any advice for a winter boost?

[WoolyMammoth55]

Hi all,

We bought bare root privet for our very exposed front garden and planted at the start of lockdown. They went in with Rootgrow funghi on the root balls and a decent amount of manure, were watered assiduously in the hot dry spring, etc. They are south facing so they have had all the sun.

We didn't cut them down much and we possibly planted a little too close together - were and are desperate for some more privacy ASAP!

As I prepare for winter I can say they have not done well - are very similar in height and spread now as the day they went in, which considering the incredible spring and summer we had is a bit of a blow!

Can anyone advise what I should be doing now or in spring to give them the best chance of a boost? Was thinking perhaps a mulch of manure down now - is that a good idea?

I'm a very newbie gardener so would be very grateful for any advice. Thanks!

How often did you water them during dry weather? I suspect that they may have been a bit on the dry side and have struggled to establish because of that. They should perk up in the spring. Leave them another year before pruning.

There's no point at all in fertilising them now - plants don't need fertiliser during the winter when they aren't growing. Wait until you see new growth in the spring.

Forgot to mention - make sure that they are firm in the ground and are not going to rock about in the wind over winter.

They are probably establishing their roots and will probably get going in the spring. If we get a dry winter make sure they don't dry out.

Make sure you carry on watering deeply and well when they start growing - a seep hose pipe is best. Or a good half a watering can on each one. Don't just sprinkle water as that doesn't encourage the roots down. Mulch now would stop weeds growing up in the spring and also conserve water.

They take most of the first season getting a good root system going. They'll start growing next year.