They will probably do very well from being cut right down. They're hard to kill and I am quite sure you will find they bounce back healthier than ever.

I'd have him go back out with a saw and cut the stubs all the way down to ground level. We do this to several privet hedges in our arboretum to rejuvenate the plants. You'll get good growth the first year and the second year you will be getting back some of the height you've lost.
Marshall

Yes, the proper procedure at this point is to cut them ALL the way to the ground....no more than 6 inch stubs. You'll be shocked and amazed at how quickly they will rejuvenate.

Do not fertilize these shrubs for at least a year. They may need some watering in times of drought like weather to support all of the new growth that is going to erupt in the not-too-distant future.

Frankly, your husband did the right thing at the right time of year. Just make sure that he cuts them all the way down SOON. He must not leave three or four foot stumps.

Thanks for the advice, everyone... I feel better. I will miss my privacy this year, and maybe for a few more, but at least I can be hopeful that they'll come back.

I guess maybe I'll apologize to the hubby, too.

P.S. What will happen if it's left at 3-4 foot stumps? I am just curious. Thanks.

at height.. 3 feet.. the plants will explode with growth.. and in a few years.. have so much weight.. that the 3 foot trunk.. will not be able to support it all.. and it will fall down ....

what you can do though.. is remove half of them to 3 inches or so.. and let those regenerate from below.. while the tall ones add some privacy ...

and then in fall or next spring.. cut the other ones down ... thereby giving some TEMPORARY HEIGHT.. but it will be harder to surgically remove them w/o hurting the new growth at the bottom.. but it can be done .... but maybe not by hubby ... lol

it should be quite a show.. to watch how they regrow .. try to enjoy it .... i suspect you will be surprised how fast they return.. with no insult to the roots ... and no.. they wont need to be fed.. to perform ...

ken

Thank you so much!!

If cut back to three foot stumps, it will explode in all of that new growth....beginning at three feet. The shrubs will look like H-E-doubletoothpicks. When cut back to near ground level, the new growth will come up from the bottom, creating a full, shrubby appearance.

Sounds to me that hubby deserves a steak dinner.....and then some.