Q.Hawthorn hedge looks scraggly
We recently moved into a rental house with Indian hawthorn shrubs lining the walkway to the front door. The area is a mix of sun and shade. They are small (less than 2 feet high) and scraggly looking – more stems are visible than leaves. It is October in Houston and I am not sure whether pruning would do any good. Am tempted to pull then up and put down azaleas.
Indian Hawthorn rarely need pruning so the condition of the plants may be due to not enough sun, soil conditions, watering and lack of nutrients.
Here are some links to refresh you on the care requirements.
You may want to do a clean up prune on the plants and wait to see how they look in the spring.
Otherwise a new planting may be just what you need for your new home!
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/indian-hawthorn/growing-indian-hawthorn.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/indian-hawthorn/indian-hawthorn-pruning.htm
