How to Prune Yellow Bell Shrubs

Yellow bell shrubs, also known as forsythia bushes, are hardy deciduous bushes that can live for generations. Many homeowners use yellow bell shrubs in gardens and as hedges, and enjoy their colorful blooms every spring. Thankfully, they do not need much care and attention to thrive, but without proper pruning, they will become overgrown and bulky. Well-pruned forsythia not only look nicer, they will also produce larger and fuller blooms than non-pruned yellow bells.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears

Instructions

1. Wait to prune yellow bell shrubs until immediately after they are finished blooming in the spring. Small, hand-held pruning shears will suffice for this job.

2. Prune at the base of the yellow bell shrub. If you prune only at the point where the stems grow beyond where you desire, it will not help your bush look pruned in the long run because the stems will just grow beyond your desired boundaries next season. Cut the shoots near the bottom of the bush where they begin to grow.

3. Use pruning shears to cut the long, older shoots. Choose the shoots that don't enhance the shape and beauty of the bush.

4. Cut all misshaped, broken and diseased branches. In the end, you should prune about one-third of the bush.

5. Repeat each season to maintain a healthy and well-shaped shrub.