Our next door neighbor reported us to the city because he claims that our 9 ft tall privet hedge is impeding his view of the road when he exits his driveway. Although this hedge isn't impeding our view at all, the city has ordered us to cut it down to 3 or 4 ft in height because of his unreasonable complaint. Will a privet survive a drastic pruning during this time of year? After pruning it, should we apply any fertilizer or do anything else to help it survive? I realize that pruning a privet during this time of year isn't ideal but the city is leaving us no choice. The privet looks very nice the way it is so we are concerned that the timing of this severe pruning will have adverse effects on it.

Any advice would be appreciated.