Question: I’d like to use privet as a hedge. How far apart should I plant it?

Answer: There are much better hedges. Its main problem is that it gets too tall and eventually will grow stemmy and ugly with repeated prunings. If you wanted to use it you should plant it on 4- or 5-foot centers and allow it to grow to 6 feet or taller. Hollies are better choices, particularly if shade is involved. They’re also far less invasive. Their seeds tend not to germinate. Privet seeds will come up all over the neighborhood.