Question
Recently bought a house with 4 hollies on the corners of the foundation plantings.  They are very narrow and thin, but have grown about 2 feet taller than the gutter line, and therefore look "overgrown".  Can I prune off that 2 feet and reshape the tops to a point?  Please describe best technique to use.

Also have three 2 foot tall, 2 1/2 foot wide azealas planted in a 6 foot long row.  One had the center branches severely broken out at ground level by a
car backing up.  Will I damage the roots of the two remaining healthy shrubs if I dig out and replace the damaged one?

Many thanks in advance for your help!

Cordially,
Bob

Answer
Bob,

Holly...yes you can cut it down (loppers or pruning saw) to the general height you desire, and keep it shaped by shearing it.   It may take a couple years for the chosen shape to completely fill out, but it will.  Holly's not shy about growing.  I'm a little confused about the "narrow and thin" description of this holly.   I don't know any holly that grow that way.  Sure it's holly?

Azalea...yes digging the part of the hedge out and replacing it will damage neighboring roots, but that shouldn't be fatal.  You could clean up (cut out the broken and damaged branches) the broken azalea and just let it come back.  Again, it might be a couple years, but you'll be sure that you've got the right variety in the hedge.  If the hedge is older, it might be difficult or impossible to match varieties.  You might want to wait to see it bloom so you can match the blossom, if you decide to dig out and replace.

for what it's worth,
Mark in Portland