Can anyone tell me whether you can prune this shrub by half to reduce size without losing the great fountain shape? I have 2 in a large border that have never been pruned (they are 5 years old) and have gotten so big they are starting to shade some full sun plants around them.
red twig dogwood
If it's been that long, they probably don't even turn red anymore.
You can prune / shear these and keep them must shorter but They'll send out new branches at the first node below the cut.
I'd reach in and take out the biggest and oldest right at the base. Then shear with loppers or a hedge trimmer if you're in a hurry or hand prune it down to the size you want. This will let light in the middle and it will respond by sending up new growth from the inside. Next spring, take out a few more old ones right at the base and then do your shape pruning. This is slower but eventually you'll have nice bright red twigs in the winter again.
OR - just shear it into the shape and size (maybe even a little shorter because it'll respond with new growth) now.
Then next spring, you can cut down completely before buds break. By the end of the season you'll have brand new 4'+ plus bushes and then you can start taking out a few of the biggest each spring. I just did mine again last spring since I used to keep them sheared into a 3-4' hedge form. Now... I'm just letting them go to their desired height and taking out side branches that are in the way and a couple of big ones each spring.
thank you, that was great help.
Post a Reply to this Thread
More Trees, Shrubs and Conifers Threads
-
I believe my Pine Tree is dying
started by Jaguar18
last post by Jaguar18Oct 04, 20233Oct 04, 2023 -
Apple tree fungus/disease
started by Maxwell175
last post by Maxwell175Mar 25, 20241Mar 25, 2024 -
I have a tree that has badly deteriorated bark
started by BigRich1950
last post by BigRich1950Apr 24, 20241Apr 24, 2024 -
American Yellowwood - Perkins Pink toxic?
started by KayCisko
last post by KayCiskoMay 08, 20240May 08, 2024 -
Planting Trees - Complimentary tree?
started by KayCisko
last post by KayCiskoMay 09, 20240May 09, 2024