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Overgrown mess.

ThebigeasyThebigeasy Posts: 190
in Problem solving
In a corner of my front garden there is about 4 different shrub/bushes i know 2 are rhododendron. They all have a lot of deadwood because there intertwined. Would i be able to to cut them all back without damaging them too mch

Posts

  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    If possible, best to post a photo of the shrubs. Pruning back at the wrong time can lead to loss of flowers for the year. Rhododendrons don't normally require pruning unless you need to reduce its size or there are dead or diseased sections that may not rejuvenate. So I guess, the answer to your question regarding Rhododendrons, yes, you can prune back.
  • ThebigeasyThebigeasy Posts: 190
    @Borderline as you can see a bit of a jungle, tried to show the leaves as well to see what jind they are. 
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    Thanks for the photos. Yes, many can be pruned back removing all the dead stuff first and shaping to how you want them to grow.

    Picture 4, maybe wait until it's flowered first, it's a Mock Orange shrub, and may need half of shrub pruned hard and the rest lightly shaped after flowering. I'm guessing the 2nd photo is an old Lilac shrub that will need rejuvenating if you want more leaves lower down. 
  • ThebigeasyThebigeasy Posts: 190
    Borderline said:
    Thanks for the photos. Yes, many can be pruned back removing all the dead stuff first and shaping to how you want them to grow.

    Picture 4, maybe wait until it's flowered first, it's a Mock Orange shrub, and may need half of shrub pruned hard and the rest lightly shaped after flowering. I'm guessing the 2nd photo is an old Lilac shrub that will need rejuvenating if you want more leaves lower down. 
    2nd photo from the top? Is the same bush as the 4th picture or am i getting mixed up? 
  • ThebigeasyThebigeasy Posts: 190
    Treeface said:
    Is it just the dead wood you want to remove or you want to cut the whole shrub back?
    Cut all dead wood back but also give each bush a bit of breathing space there is also a little hawthorns that is totally over shadowed by the big bush too the left. 
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    Yes second photo from the top. If that is the same as the photo 4, then wait until it's finish flowering and then prune back. I thought that was an old Lilac! They are really over-grown, and will definitely benefit from a big prune back so you have new growth.
  • ThebigeasyThebigeasy Posts: 190
    Borderline said:
    Yes second photo from the top. If that is the same as the photo 4, then wait until it's finish flowering and then prune back. I thought that was an old Lilac! They are really over-grown, and will definitely benefit from a big prune back so you have new growth.
    Brilliant, thanks. Is that the same for them all, wait till finish flowering. 
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    Yes, generally with most shrubs, it's always best to prune back or re-shape after flowering, but it's not compulsory, especially if flowering is not your priority, you can still cut them down now to start fresh.

     Your last 2 shrubs, you can prune back to shape or prune harder down so you get fresh new growth if you want them shorter or want fresh branches.
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