Q. I cut my forsythia back completely last spring, to about 3 to 4 inches in height. Over the course of last summer it grew into a nice looking shrub. This spring it is too leggy. Each branch is a good 36 to 46 inches and hanging low. The bush cannot be mowed around for the drooping branches. Is there a solution to begin shaping this shrub, or should I resign and dig it up completely.
-Washington, Indiana
A. As you have found, Forsythia are very strong willed and can rebound strong after a hard pruning. You had so much length growth due to the existing large amount of roots using all the stored sugars on a small amount of stems.
At this point lightly prune the forsythia back into some shape. By a little, I mean just prune enough back to take some of the weight off (no more than 8 to 12 inches). Next year you will likely see long growth again, but not as radical. At that point just simply prune to maintain at the 6 to 10 ft. size.
You have created a pruning project each year now due to the radical prune last year. If the Forsythia is too big for the space, then it might be best to remove it. Otherwise, simply enjoy it and don’t become over active with the pruners.
-Todd A. Efing,
Van Putte Gardens
Rochester, New York
