severe pruning of a big old forsythia
 

I have a grand old forsythia in my front yard as part of a large shrub
garden. It's 25 years old, and is now about a 12 foot radius
hemisphere. The problem is, it's getting so overgrown and "worn out"
that there is little new growth or bloom on it. I did some small
pruning two years ago which helped a little, but I think it's time for
something more drastic. And since pruning time is coming up, I'm here
for advice.

I know forsythias can take a licking and keep on ticking, so I'm
wondering how far I can cut out old growth on this one. It is a very
healthy plant with a good solid root system. I "think" I saw a
gardening show once that said you can basically cut the whole thing
off at a couple of inches above ground and, if the roots are healthy,
it will completely regrow as all new vibrant growth. Has anyone ever
tried that?

severe pruning of a big old forsythia
 

Andrew Duane wrote:
I have a grand old forsythia in my front yard as part of a large shrub
garden. It's 25 years old, and is now about a 12 foot radius
hemisphere. The problem is, it's getting so overgrown and "worn out"
that there is little new growth or bloom on it. I did some small
pruning two years ago which helped a little, but I think it's time for
something more drastic. And since pruning time is coming up, I'm here
for advice.

I know forsythias can take a licking and keep on ticking, so I'm
wondering how far I can cut out old growth on this one. It is a very
healthy plant with a good solid root system. I "think" I saw a
gardening show once that said you can basically cut the whole thing
off at a couple of inches above ground and, if the roots are healthy,
it will completely regrow as all new vibrant growth. Has anyone ever
tried that?

I take off 1/3 of the oldest stumps every Spring after blooming.

severe pruning of a big old forsythia
 

On Apr 30, 6:17 pm, Andrew Duane wrote:
I have a grand old forsythia in my front yard as part of a large shrub
garden. It's 25 years old, and is now about a 12 foot radius
hemisphere. The problem is, it's getting so overgrown and "worn out"
that there is little new growth or bloom on it. I did some small
pruning two years ago which helped a little, but I think it's time for
something more drastic. And since pruning time is coming up, I'm here
for advice.

I know forsythias can take a licking and keep on ticking, so I'm
wondering how far I can cut out old growth on this one. It is a very
healthy plant with a good solid root system. I "think" I saw a
gardening show once that said you can basically cut the whole thing
off at a couple of inches above ground and, if the roots are healthy,
it will completely regrow as all new vibrant growth. Has anyone ever
tried that?

If you really want to be drastic with this Forsythia - and it sounds
like you need to be - then cut the whole thing back to within say 18in
of the ground. In around 4-5 weeks it will start to shoot again, and
then you can better control it in subsequent years. (It will probably
get back up to around 3 feet during this first year after cutting
back.)
There is a pruning guide on here if you need it. www.gardenseeker.com
Regards
Data

severe pruning of a big old forsythia
 

On May 7, 9:26 am, Data wrote:
On Apr 30, 6:17 pm, Andrew Duane wrote:

I have a grand old forsythia in my front yard as part of a large shrub
garden. It's 25 years old, and is now about a 12 foot radius
hemisphere. The problem is, it's getting so overgrown and "worn out"
that there is little new growth or bloom on it. I did some small
pruning two years ago which helped a little, but I think it's time for
something more drastic. And since pruning time is coming up, I'm here
for advice.

I know forsythias can take a licking and keep on ticking, so I'm
wondering how far I can cut out old growth on this one. It is a very
healthy plant with a good solid root system. I "think" I saw a
gardening show once that said you can basically cut the whole thing
off at a couple of inches above ground and, if the roots are healthy,
it will completely regrow as all new vibrant growth. Has anyone ever
tried that?

If you really want to be drastic with this Forsythia - and it sounds
like you need to be - then cut the whole thing back to within say 18in
of the ground. In around 4-5 weeks it will start to shoot again, and
then you can better control it in subsequent years. (It will probably
get back up to around 3 feet during this first year after cutting
back.)
There is a pruning guide on here if you need it.www.gardenseeker.com
Regards
Data

I was being lazy - here is the full url http://www.gardenseeker.com/pruning/pruning_shrubs.htm
It is at the bottom of the page.
D