Fall Pruning.....

[Miss Mary]

Couldn't find the topic about pruning shrubs, trees, etc. so I startd a new one. Could have sworn we had one already.....oh well.

Question........I enlarged an area in my front landscaped beds and now 2 Cotoneasters look very overgrown. These 2 were once a planting of 3, in a staggered V formation. But a side one died along the way. The remaining two have grown into one irregular shape. One is slightly grown out ahead of the other one, the front one in my old V formation. I don't want to rip them out but they are about 10-12 years old. My ? is can I severely cut them back this Fall, so they'll have a more defined shape next year?

I've trimmed Barberry and Privet shrubs, way back in the past. I trim my Privet's back to less tahn 8" off the ground, and they grow to 5' tall in the Summer. Which always amazes me! They always come back, better than ever. Just wondered if Cotoneasters are similar in that way.

Thanks!

Mary

[alicia-w]

I dont know if this will help, Mary, but it's some interesting information, nonetheless.



http://www.paghat.com/cotoneaster.html

[Miss Mary]

I had to laugh at that link. I also pronounced cotoneaster - cotton easter. Luckily I said this to a neighbor once, not a nursery employee!!! LOL She straightened me out on the correct pronunciation.

It was some help. Didn't exactly say I could cut them down but you can pull up sprouts that want to take root and spread out. I already do that. This is an invasive shrub, branching out all over the place. I'll just trim down, instead of around it. If that makes any sense..

Thanks!

Mary