Privet hedge damaged in spring freeze.?

Question:Just planted last spring. They had already leafed out this year and the freeze killed all the leaves. They are starting to leaf out again at the root or base area. Should I leave old growth or trim back? Thanks.

Answers:
Trim back the dead stems. You can trim dead wood any time.

When you do trim them, cut to a point where the stem is living and just above a living bud or branch. You do not want to leave any dead wood as this will be a continual entry point for disease and insects.