Repeated mowing or cutting may be appropriate for controlling small populations of Privet where herbicide cannot be used. Manual removal of young plants can help with control but not with eradication.

There are no known biological controls for Privet.

Prescribed burning may effectively eliminate Privet over time if done annually when fuel moisture is low and drought conditions high ?! Convincing your local Fire Chief of the wisdom of burning at such times may however present it’s own challenges.

An ongoing regime which combines pulling, burning, grazing, mowing and cultivating may over time help to reduce infestations. This kind of approach is not a one off treatment and may require getting up early and going to bed late. I am interested in hearing from anyone who has had success with alternative techniques.

Regardless of which method is used for removal and control it is imperative that everyone is actively working on the problem so that we can begin to reduce infestations and prevent new ones from forming of the Privet.

Ref: Batcher, Michael S,(2000) Element Stewardship Abstract for Ligustrum spp. Privet