How to get red tip photinias to branch out more

Question

Will cropping help my red tip photinias to spread out so they will provide a hedge like appearance? If not, what can I do? I believe they were planted approx. 4 ft. apart.

Answer 1

When you cut photinias back, you can expect to see an increase in growth. Pruning often takes place in spring. You can simply prune them for shape as needed, which will result in fuller growth, or perform drastic pruning for unruly shrubs. Red tips are excellent candidates for rejuvenation pruning. To rejuvenate the plant, cut it all the way back to the ground...to about 6 inches. It should grow back nicely and you can expect to see 3 to 4 feet of new growth the very first year.