Question
We live in Sidney (Victoria) BC.  About 5 years ago we planted this hedge and have had good success. We desperately need privacy. We fertilize it each spring with evergreen fert. and water whenever seems necessary with a soaker.  The problem is that where we need the privacy most, those shrubs are the ones that are shorter by a foot or two.  We have done the pinch the tops back a little to help them fill in and most have except a few that we need the most. I even fertilized these few twice last year. Do you have any suggestions how we can prompt these few to hurry and catch up?

Answer
Jim,

There has to be something with the area that is limiting their growth. Is there more shade there than anywhere else? This can cause the plants to thin out.

I would recommend having soil tests done in that area to see if there is something deficient in the soil.

Good luck,
Ed Gulliksen