United Kingdom

I have a hedge consisting of 125 Donard escollonia plants which are approximately 5 years old and 5 foot tall.They have not sprouted this year and the timber appears to be dead. I was advised to cut it down to 18 inches above the ground. I did this with 20 of the plants 10 days ago and as yet there is no growth. Is this the right course of action. David Weir,Co.Armagh N.Ireland

• 21 Apr, 2011