The bushes in front of my house are WAY overgrown...?

Question

...I can hardly see out the windows!

If I cut them back to where I want them, there will be little or no green left on them.

I don't know what kind of shrubs they are.

If I can hack 'em back, when's the best time to do that?
Can I do it now? I live in the northeast, if that matters.

Thanks!

Answer 1

The rule of thumb for your situation is to cut back one third at a time. Let the shrubs recover then take off the next third.
Let recover, then you can get them down to where you want them. It's a very safe way to do it, the plant won't suffer from shock. I do recommend finding out what it is if you can.
Avoid trimming or pruning if temperatures are above 80 degrees, as they are stressed from the heat & pruning could possibly cause some damage.

Answer 2

This is a pretty common problem with landscaping. The shrubs that looked so nice when they were small, just get overgrown with time. They begin to look "leggy", that is no leaves on the bottom, just on the top. Sometimes the shrubs were planted a little too close to the house too, so they are in the way if you need to paint, or wash the wall, etc..
I think of it as a chance to re-landscape. If you really like the shrubs that are there, cut them back. Cut them back shorter than you want them to be when they re-sprout. If you cut them back to the heighth you want them to be, they will be too tall with the first new flush of growth. This usually means cutting the shrubs back to 6 to 12 inches above the ground. If I was doing this, I would do it in the spring or summer, otherwise you get to look at sticks all winter.
The other approach is to yank out the old shrubs and plant new ones. You can replant the same thing, or use the oppurtunity to plant something you like better. You can do this any time of year (maybe not the dead of winter :) ).

Answer 3

I cut back two decorative bushes in front of my house last year, and installed a brick patio around them. It looks real nice. The two bushes were cut to 6" above the ground. This left enough wood for new shoots to develope. A year later, the plants have regrown to about 2' high and look real good. Do it any time, it doesn't matter. They will eventually come back so long as you don't disturb the root system.

Answer 4

Most bushes and shrubs can be severely cut back in the Autumn to promote a fuller healthier hedge. It sounds like that is exactly what you need to do. Wait until late Autumn or better yet until your first freeze, provided you have one, and cut your shrubs back to about one foot. Next spring you should see new growth and it will result in a full bush. After they reach the desired size then keep them pruned to maintain your desired look.

Answer 5

I suggest looking on line at plants or at the library until you find the picture of your plants and then check out just what questions you want answered. No one can tell you anything about any plant unless they know what it is, since all plants are cared for and trimmed at different times.
Besides, if you can*t see out the windows, no one can see in either, lots of privacy there.

Answer 6

cut half back hard now the other half just trim back that way you will still have leaves on them .next spring do the other half .hope this helps.