Overgrown viburnum

sallypat64

Hi all, I would really appreciate your advice. I'm clearing the bottom of our garden which is very overgrown. We have a large viburnum at least 30 years old which is overgrown, loads of woody stems twisted together at the bottom with no foliage, its about 12ft high with good foliage there. As we view it all you see is the ugly woody bits, should I take it down or cut it right back in the hope it could grow again?

Buttercupdays

If you cut it right back in the autumn, you will know by late spring whether you need to dig it out

sallypat64

Sounds like the best plan!

UpNorth

i would 'branch up' so it's more of an umbrella shape.  it permits more light at the base and allows you to underplant a little with very drought tolerant plants.   i've done this to a huge v.Tinus and it looks tonnes better.

Posy

You can cut out dead wood at any time but if you want to restore it to a bush you would be safest to cut back no more than a third each time. I trim mine just after flowering but spring is also a good time and most will tolerate just about anything!

sallypat64

Perfect thanks!