Now that I've raked a good part of my front yard and am suffering for it...
(Oooh, my sides!... Can't justify the lawn vac right now...), I thought I
would do something a little less active. Pruning.

We have these plants bordering the edge of our rear patio that have become
very top heavy. They have green leaves at the top and is bare and dead
looking at the bottom.

For a healthier looking shrub next year with more lower leaf coverage, how
far should I be cutting this back? My instincts tell me, pretty far. I know
this will mean a lot smaller bushes, but I would rather that than have dead
looking ones.

Close up of the plant;
http://purplelinny.com/greenery/pics/pruners3.jpg

Row of the same;
http://purplelinny.com/greenery/pics/pruners2.jpg

Should I be hacking these babies right back?
Also, can anyone identify these plants for me please?
And is this an okay time to be doing this in moderate S. Texas?
TIA.
--
Lynda the amateur