Thicken up hedge

[u/WiththeBirds1040]

Any suggestions for encouraging more side to side growth in the lower areas of this Lilly pilly hedge? They are growing up straight and tall but remain a bit patchy on the sides. In most they are growing well towards the front and back:

I have tip pruned the sides where I want more growth and more aggressively trimmed some of the top branches

The plants are currently droopy from a lot of rain, so it’s a bit hard to tell but I have always been trying to get them more bushy on the side.

[u/Positive-Reward2863]

If you want a hedge you have to actually "hedge it". Get out there and cut the sides and top to where you want them and it will "fill out" and thicken. They are fairly established so this time of year they'll come roaring back. Don't be afraid to take a fair bit off them if that's what you're after they'll be fine.

[u/True_Dragonfruit681]

Needs a bloody good hard prune by around 2 feet all around. Use loppers on the thick branches and shears around the perimeter.

It will take a couple of years to come good

[u/Impossible_Egg929 → u/True_Dragonfruit681]

I find it easier to prune when using 2 hands rather than 2 feet.

[u/Worldly-Device-8414]

Trim a bit more than just the tips.... take off 30cm or so from front side but still leaving leaves. Growth to the sides will be slower due to light being best/most from front/top, etc