forsythia pruning

Question

I have forsythia and other bushes that the branches seem to grow horizontally. The forsythia is lanky, not very full at the bottom, almost as though they have a stem or trunk like a lollipop. I have read to resolve this configuration lopping to 2-4 inches off ground and essentially starting over to encourage “basal” growth. Can you explain what the term basal means and why the branches seem to grow out across horizontally?

Answer 1

Basel growth is a term I see most often used in pruning Roses.

Here are some excellent articles about pruning your Forsythia the correct way.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/forsythia/forsythia-pruning.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/forsythia/forsythia-rejuvenation.htm