Trimming Srubs and Bushes:?

Question

I noticed that when I cut a bush down to almost nothing last year (a stump), trying to kill it, it came back and actually looks good now. I would like to do that with other bushes around the yard. Can this be done with most decorative shrubs or is there a good chance that I will actually end up killing them?
Thanks!

Answer 1

Well... I'd be more cautious than the other answerer. Some shrubs can recover (quickly) from such as drastic pruning method... others not so much.

Forsythia, Spirea, Lilac and other deciduous flowering shrubs come back great from a severe cutting. Rose of Sharon will, if it's young enough, but won't if it's too old. Big-Leafed Hydrangea comes back great from a cutting back, but only blooms on older wood... so you won't have flowers. Rhododendrons (in my USDA hardiness zone) won't recover well from a sever cutting, but in other climates might.

Ultimately I would advise you to find out what kind of plants that you're dealing with, then pose the question about the specific variety. As a rule of thumb, most can be cut back aggressively (50% or so) and will recover.

I hope that this helps
Good luck-

Answer 2

For the most part your supposed to trim back shrubs to the stump, if in doubt check with your local nursery about certain bushes.

Answer 3

You've proved your own experiment. You can prune severly with success. Taking out crossed wood, dead wood, and unnecessary branches is standard. Most shrubs can take it and thrive. For those that flower, wait until the blooms are spent then prune away.