How to get the new growth to have short internodes on privet

[sheepdawg]

I have a few privets that I've dug up and I've been working with them for about two years now but it's a constant battle with their long internodes.

So yeah, how can I shorten the internodes, especially on the new growth?

I know about high light conditions and don't over fert. Any other suggestions?

[Pup]

Prune back to two leaves

[shibui]

I find with some other species that early spring growth is very vigorous and has longer internodes. Later in the season vigour reduces a little so if early growth has long internodes prune right back to the older growth and let the tree start again. As long as the tree has plenty of season left to grow new shoots and has leaves on for most of the year to make adequate food it should be OK, especially robust, weedy species like privet.

Is yours large leaf or the more suitable small leaf species?

[sheepdawg]

Unfortunately it's the larger leaf species (I think). Found some really good trunks on a friend's property and figured I'd give it a go.

[shibui]

Large leaf privet does have longer internodes so you may have to put up with somewhat straggly growth but still worth trying some of the techniques to see if you can get some reduction.
Cut back to 2 leaves as suggested by Pup.
Remove any shoots with long internodes even if that means cutting right back to no leaves.
Defoliate after cutting back to reduce vigour of any regrowth.
Prune mid summer as regrowth is often less vigorous after the spring flush.

Let us know if anything seems to work well.