I have a forsythia bush that has gone wild, when should i cut it back and how much so that i don't ruin it.

Cut away. It will grow back.





Coach

I have a forsythia bush that has gone wild, when should i cut it back and how much so that i don't ruin it.
you can cut it all the way back to the ground and it will grow back. cut it now through February
Reply:If you cut it now, you won't get any flowers next year. Cut it immediately after flowering.
Reply:If you don't care about one years flowers then cut it down to a foot above the ground. Then go in and cut out all the dead wood. It will already be dry and loose, not hard to find. If you do that every few years then you will have a healthy happy and vibrant bush.
Reply:Only cut it back right after it blooms. If you cut it back now, you will be cutting off next years blooms. And don't cut it back too much or it won't look natural.
Reply:Don't cut last years growth until you have enjoyed the yellow show of flowers, the first harbinger of spring... after the blooms fade, then be merciless and cut the demon down to one foot above ground. If you have neglected it for a few years you might have a lot of stems that have touched the ground and started rooting (layered). Spring is the time to pull these out and give'em to the neighbors or plant yourself an impenetrable hedge. The beast will not die, but let it put on it's show.