"Trees" that used to be bushes...

We have lots of small trees on our property that after looking at them again, I think are overgrown azalea and rodendrum, etc. bushes.

I'd love to keep them, but trim them back to bush size as while they are pretty and give us a lot of greenery, it really needs to be manicured more and it obstructs view to front door, etc. I'd also like something still in the same spots-- so rather than removing and replanting, can they just be majorly trimmed down? My fear is that I trim, and I am just really left with a stump and no leaves.

Re: "Trees" that used to be bushes...

If they are really overgrown, you probably can't trim too much b/c as you said, you will only be left with bark and stumps.

Re: "Trees" that used to be bushes...

You can do it - like severe pruning if they are healthy but you will not get flowers for a year or maybe even two depending on how much you take off. if they are in the shade don't over do it otherwise they might never come back.

if your really worried about it I would just test one plant to see how far you want to go and to see if it comes back the following year with new growth.

I don't see many people doing it so if your not willing to take a risk I would go down to a garden center and ask someone who is a horticulturist.

Re: "Trees" that used to be bushes...

Flower buds are already set for this year, so prune after they bloom.
This way you can also tell how much dead wood there is inside the tree-bush.

Don't fertilize for at least a month, to give the plants time to adjust to the shock of being severely pruned.

Re: "Trees" that used to be bushes...

I don't mind if they don't flower, but I am trying to save money by trimming, rather than ripping out and replacing.

We already ripped out a ton from the front of the house-- and now these are on the driveway side, and I just can't stand it anymore!