Q&A for How to Prune Forsythia

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Can I prune my Forsythia now, as some branches have lost their flowers?

Greenhouse Anderson

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Yes, it is common to prune Forsythia after flowering. The best way is to remove 2 to 4 of the oldest, largest stems near ground level. This will stimulate new stems from the base. Do this every year or two.

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We trimmed the forsythia this spring. Now there is a lot of new growth at the very bottom. Should this be trimmed now or next spring?

Greenhouse Anderson

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Forsythia should be pruned in late spring after the flowers are gone. Remove 1 to 4 of the oldest, largest stems at ground level every couple of years.

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Half of our plant is green, and the tallest branches have gone crazy this summer. They have all lost their leaves and look dead. Should we cut them down to the ground now?

Greenhouse Anderson

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Yes, remove the leafless stems at ground level. Leave the stems with green leaves. Remove 1 to 4 of the oldest, largest stems at ground level in late spring when the flowers are done every couple of years.

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My forsythia is at least four years old and five feet tall. I hardly know they are forsythia because there are almost no flowers. We live in windy Colorado. What can I do to keep flowers longer?

Greenhouse Anderson

Top Answerer

The yellow flowers of forsythia occur in early spring in your area. Flowering lasts 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the temperatures. Don't prune forsythia after the first of July, because the flower buds start to form for next spring. Prune in late spring just after flowering has ended.

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A tree fell on my forsythia bush and wrecked it. The center is broken down to about 12 inches, but some outer branches are still standing. Should I prune the entire plant or leave the outer branches?

Greenhouse Anderson

Top Answerer

Prune out the damaged stems. Leave the other stems. It will grow back. Remove 1 to 4 of the oldest, largest stems at ground level every couple of years.

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I would like to cut my forsythia to half its size. Would that work, or would it kill the plant?

Greenhouse Anderson

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To reduce the size of your forsythia, remove the oldest, largest stems at ground level shortly after flowering. This encourages new growth and helps maintain a good floral display next year.

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My forsythia is very old with thick branches at the base, and new growth only appears at the top. Will cutting it down to the ground harm the plant?

Greenhouse Anderson

Top Answerer

Remove the very large branches at ground level with a saw, but do not prune the smaller branches. New shoots will develop from the base of the plant and will flower the next year. Plan to remove the 1-4 oldest, largest branches at ground level every 1-3 years to keep the plant flowering well in spring.

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Can I prune forsythia before it blooms in spring?

Greenhouse Anderson

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You can, but you will remove all the flowers. It's best to prune forsythia in the month after flowering.

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My forsythia bushes are 8 feet tall, but I want them to be about 5 feet. How can I achieve this?

Greenhouse Anderson

Top Answerer

It's best to prune your forsythia just after flowering in the spring. Remove 1 to 4 of the oldest, largest stems at ground level. New shoots will develop for flowering in the coming years.

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Should I trim a forsythia the year I plant it?

Greenhouse Anderson

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It's usually not necessary. Avoid using hedge shears on forsythia. Instead, prune the 2 to 4 oldest, largest stems every 1 to 3 years for the best floral display in spring.

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How do I root forsythia cuttings? Should I plant them in the ground or put them in water first?

Greenhouse Anderson

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Forsythia stem cuttings root easily in water or directly in the ground, so choose the method most convenient for you.

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Question

How do I shorten a tall forsythia? The articles I've read suggest pruning from the point of origin, not the top.

Greenhouse Anderson

Top Answerer

Prune 1 to 4 of the largest and oldest stems at ground level with a saw. Leave the smaller shoots to flower in the spring. Next year, remove a few more large stems at ground level, and continue this every 1 to 3 years depending on the shrub's growth.

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