Whats the best way to prune an overgrown forsythia?
The best time to prune is after the flowering is finished. If you do it too early you will interupt the blooming of the flowers and the bushes cycle and blooming for the following year. You should cut at least 1/4 – 1/2 of all old branches at round level, this also makes or encourages the bush to new growth. Pruning is best just after flowering is about over, you will know by the condition of the flower and it’s fading color. It’s at this time you will be able to easily recognize old branches from new ones, the new branches will have no flowers until the following season. If you wish to shape your forsythia, this can be done anytime of the year. With a keen eye and selected pruning you can shape you bush, even trimming back new branches to accomplish this! There is also the wild natural look option if you have the room to let them grow so. They make excellant property line hedges! My lonely forsythia the year after I pruned all the old branches and dead fall away!
