Question
We have over grown mophead cyprus shrubs at our church. They are the ones with the yellow tips. How far back can these be pruned. it is located in Buffalo Ny. Thanks Jim

Answer
Hello Jim

The general rule with conifers is - do not cut back into old wood!  Look along a stem of the shrub, you will see that the green shoots stop and that the area beyond is just bare stem.  Never cut into that area.  Cut off about half of the green area all over the shrubs to make a smaller, neater plant.

The only exception to this rule is Leylandii, which can grow to 120 feet high or be kept cut down to hedge height!

Gill