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Forsythias, Cont...
The other problem is that, like blackberries, they topics root. When the
branches (called canes) dip over from their own weight and the topics
touch the ground, they will sprout roots and begin a new shrub. In this
manner a single shrub can eventually colonize a whole hill side, and
run through many neighboring shrubs. When you prune, it is advised to
cut out, or cut back these canes and rip up the wandering rooted
shrublets. You corral it back to the original shrub. Don't worry about
using shovels, loppers or a mattock to get them out. You won't hurt
what's left. If you're smart, you pot them up and donate them to the
PlantAmnesty plant sale.
TRADITIONAL PRUNING:
The traditional method of pruning a forsythia is to cut (with loppers
or saw) canes out at the base. The limit is generally set at a
third of the total shrub, although you can, in fact, cut the entire
shrub down (coppicing or radical renovation) and it will all be back
in twelve months. When you cut out the biggest, tallest canes
(as fat as four inches) you are left with a smaller plant. You are
also renewing growth, as new shoots will arise from the ground or low
stub where you cut. These new shoots are very thin, very straight,
and very rapidly growing, with few flowers and long spaces between the
nodes. Eventually they arch over, put on side branches and add
flowers, becoming the new replacement canes. Sometimes a cut cane
just dies, becoming dead wood for some future gardener to remove. Like
a volleyball game you are rotating the players. You remove old canes,
and usually stimulate some new growth that will become new canes.
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