Getting Rid Of Chinese Privet. How To Kill Chinese Privet Shrubs

Chinese privet, Ligustrum sinense, was originally brought to the U.S. from China for use in ornamental garden plantings. Long used as a hedge in many parts of the southeast, the plant was found to escape cultivation readily.

Over time, Chinese privet weeds began springing up in forests and other areas where it has overtaken native plants and become established.

How Chinese Privet Weeds Affect Native Plants

Native plants are particularly important to wildlife. Natives provide food and shelter for them and support beneficial insects, pollinators, and birds. These plants adapt to extremes of heat and cold while performing important functions in the ecosystem.

Invasive ornamentals like Chinese privet can edge out native plants with their aggressive growth and ability to multiply. Privet often escapes into pastureland, where it shades out grass and other grazing crops. Therefore, many states have developed programs dedicated solely to the maintenance and removal of invasive plants like Chinese privet.

Managing Chinese Privet

Chinese privet control may be a priority in your landscape. There are several ways to do this.

Methods of control may be “cultural, preventative, manual, and mechanical removal, biological control, physical controls, and herbicides” or combinations of these.

Total eradication is extremely difficult with well-established plants. Most methods of getting rid of privet require more than one application. Let’s look at some of these controls which are most easily practiced by the homeowner.

How to Kill Chinese Privet

• Don’t purchase or plant Chinese Privet in the landscape.
• Chop existing bushes in spring. Remove all stems, including the suckers. Dispose of it away from your landscape. Ideally, you can burn it. Even a twig or leaf can reproduce.
• Use an organic broad-leaf herbicide. Your local extension service or garden center can help you determine the best brand for this task.
• Repeat these methods if growth continues.

You can take these steps to rid your landscape of other invasive ornamentals too. Always research plants before adding them and try to avoid those that are invasive.