Pruning Forsythia Bushes

Forsythia bushes are a popular spring shrub. These hardy bushes are decorative and useful, since they can form a dense hedge in a relatively short period of time. However, few people allow their forsythia bushes to grow in a normal manner. Instead, they clip them into tight, round balls, usually after next year's flower buds have formed. To properly prune a forsythia, you should: 1. Remove old wood. 2. Prune out branches that are growing into the center of the plant. 3. Only do hard pruning right after your plant is done blooming to avoid cutting off next year's blossoms.