Question
Two summers ago we pruned 3 of our Forsythia shrubs.  Understanding that this should not have been done in the summer; we now have 3 very bare and very unruly shrubs.  Very few leaves grow only at the bottom of the shrubs and no flowers have appeared for 2 consecutive springs.  Any ideas on how to fix these?  The branches desperately need to be pruned as they are really tall now but am worried we will do further damage.  Many thanks for your suggestions!

Alexi

Answer
Forsythia are normally very hardy shrubs that are difficult to damage. The best time to prune them is right after they drop their flowers, and before they set up their buds for the next season.
I would recommend that you begin by pruning out any dead branches. This will help to encourage the growth at the bottom and will do no further damage to the plant since you are only removing non-productive parts. Along with this, fertilize them this spring, again in the fall and again next spring, to try to spark some new growth. Use a low nitrogen fertilizer this spring and fall, and a higher rate nitrogen early next spring (March or April '06). This should begin the process of recovery for your Forsythia.