Filling a Hole in a Ligustrum Hedge

A 12-ft ligustrum with a ⅓ canopy gap (from past pruning) hasn’t filled in after a year. Two approaches:

Train Existing Branches

1. Identify flexible adjacent branches.
2. Gently bend toward the gap; tie with jute twine (rots in 1–2 years).
3. Adjust weekly—increase bend gradually.
4. Do not use wire or plastic ties—they girdle.

Plant a Companion

Plant a shade-tolerant evergreen (e.g., Osmanthus, Camellia, Mahonia) on the gap side, 3–4 ft from the trunk. Choose a species that won’t outgrow or shade out the ligustrum.

With sun on that side, the ligustrum should eventually fill in; training accelerates it.