The Sunshine Ligustrum is prone to thinning, naturally. Several things, such as poor pruning, excessive fertilization, or disease, can contribute to thinning.
Do not panic if you notice Sunshine Ligustrum thinning! You can take several actions to solve this problem.
In this post, I will discuss the causes of Sunshine Ligustrum thinning and the steps you can take to fix it. I will also provide some tips on preventing thinning in the future.
Why is Your Sunshine Ligustrum Thinning and Losing Leaves?
Sunshine ligustrum can lose their leaves when they are overly dry and don’t get enough water. However, several other elements, such as pests, sudden temperature changes, and too much sun exposure, can also cause stress resulting in thinning.
Let’s explore each potential stressor for your Sunshine ligustrum plant in greater detail so you can know why it is losing leaves and what you can do to prevent it.
- Sunlight Exposure
Sunshine Ligustrums will suffer if they are exposed to excessive shade or sunlight. If your Sunshine ligustrum gets less than six hours of direct sunlight daily, think about relocating it to a more well-lit area.
It is because ligustrums need strong and direct sunlight to survive, which is insufficient for them. A sign that your ligustrum is receiving too much sun is that it may become burnt and brown if exposed to direct sunshine.
- Pests
If you have noticed your Sunshine Ligustrum thinning is dropping leaves or having bugs crawling all over it, it may be infested with pests.
The most frequent insect we see attacking ligustrums in this region is scale, a tiny insect that drains plant liquids and turns plants brown.
Using a pesticide made specifically for scale insects on your ligustrum is advised if you catch this issue early. You can use Tree and Shrub Insect Control for scales.
It gets absorbed into the plant through the plant’s roots and kills any pest that feeds on that plant. You can buy this highly effective organic pesticide by clicking on this link.
If there are more severe problems and you have already lost leaves, you should immediately remove all the damaged parts.
- Under Watering
One of the most common causes of your Sunshine Ligustrum thinning and losing leaves is underwatering. Ligustrums need a lot of water, particularly in the summer when their leaves are actively photosynthesizing and growing.
Sunshine ligustrums have very specific water requirements, so if you don’t give them enough or keep watering them, they will eventually start to disappear.
In the summer, give your ligustrum water once or twice a week and more frequently if you live in a place with a dry climate and little rainfall.
- Freezing Temperature
Cold weather can lead to leaf loss and Sunshine Ligustrum thinning. If your region has cruel winters, you can move the shrub to a dry, warm environment over the winter.
Pruning damaged areas will help sunlight ligustrum develop more robustly. It helps your plant grow more efficiently and a little bit more fully.
How to Rejuvenate Thinning Sunshine Ligustrum?
There are two techniques to revive or rejuvenate an older, overgrown Sunshine Ligustrum plant. You can either cut the plant to a short height of almost 6 inches (15 centimeters) or use the rule of â…“.
- Cutting the entire plant back to a height of 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 centimeters) from the earth is the most straightforward technique. They won’t be small and barren for long because these plants develop quickly.
- Following the rule of 1/3 is the alternative rejuvenation method for a Sunshine Ligustrum thinning. Trim your shrub by one-third of its height; as far back as you can, prune one-third of the oldest canes.
You must trim this annually for three years or until all the large and old branches are gone. It is possible to maintain privets at almost any time of the year. Do not trim in the late fall to reduce the possibility of harming new growth.
It is best to postpone heavy pruning until late winter or early spring to revive an older plant or control size.
How to Resurrect an Elderly Hedge?
You can resurrect an elderly hedge by examining, removing the affected parts, and taking preventive measures for the future.
- Check and examine your sunshine ligustrum to identify the issue first.
- Remove the affected branches and leaves to eliminate them.
- Burn those infected shears to eliminate the possibility of more issues.
- Regularly prune sunshine ligustrum to promote healthy and strong growth.
- Use organic approaches to get rid of pests.
- Use insecticides if natural remedies are ineffective.
- Examine the soil, water, and weather patterns to ensure the plant’s health.
After How Much Time Can You See the Results?
Sunshine Ligustrum shrubs grow pretty quickly. So, the results are also efficient if you follow the method correctly. Without maintenance, dwarf types, such as the Sunshine Ligustrum, can grow a foot taller in just one year.
The Sunshine ligustrum shrub can grow well in partial or full sun as long as it receives four or more hours of direct sunlight per day.
Moreover, the total lifespan of these shrubs is around 50 years. When mature, they can grow to a height and breadth of 10-15+ feet (3-4 meters) and have a medium tolerance to salt. Once established, they are also drought-tolerant.
How to Prevent Your Sunshine Ligustrum From Dying in the Future?
Specific precautions can prevent sunlight Ligustrum thinning and degradation in harsh environments. Check the soil’s moisture if your Sunshine Ligustrum exhibits any symptoms of leaf drop, curling, or yellowing. Besides, look out for sunlight exposure and water availability.
If the soil is excessively wet, replace it first. You should immediately prune any weak branches or leaves you notice.
After a few days, new leaves will appear, giving the healthier branches boots. Improve soil drainage and position various plants next to the Sunshine Ligustrum.
Moreover, the greatest color will result from planting your Sunshine Ligustrum in direct sunlight. Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer in the springtime.
You can buy Smart-Release Plant Food by clicking on this link. This slow-release plant fertilizer is famous for its effectiveness.
For the first two weeks after planting, deeply water fresh Sunshine Ligustrums twice a week to aid with root establishment.
Your plant should become established after two to three months in the ground and will likely only require watering during extremely dry spells.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What causes my sunshine ligustrum to wilt?
If leaf drop occurs soon after planting, it could be due to infrequent watering in the days and weeks that follow. Water requirements for Sunshine ligustrum increase in hot weather and loose soil, mainly while roots develop.
- Which fertilizer is ideal for Sunshine Ligustrum?
Fertilization will be beneficial to Sunshine Ligustrum. Use a slow-release shrub and tree food, ideally one that contains sulfur and iron, to fertilize them in the spring. Organically grown plant food is another option for feeding.
- Do Sunshine Ligustrums require direct sunlight?
Direct sun, or at least six hours of direct sunshine each day, is ideal for this plant’s growth. Privet cannot accept damp feet. Therefore, you must plant it in soil that drains well.
The majority of well-drained soils can support the shrub. To aid in the establishment of the plant, water it frequently.
- Can Sunshine Ligustrum withstand a severe freeze?
I advise giving overnight protection during harsh freezes for the initial growing season. It will be better equipped to withstand the chilly conditions in your location in upcoming winters.
When temperatures are at their lowest, and there is no sun to warm the plant, wrap it with a cloth, blanket, or sheet for the night.
References
Plantgardener, southernliving.com, plantgardener.com, plantingtree.com, plantcarer.com