Red Tip Photinia

Question

Due to severe heat last summer, parts of my red tip photinia shrubs have died. Should I cut the portions that are dead off or just cut the whole shrub down?

Answer 1

Yes, if they look hagard, go ahead and cut them back, though normal pruning of photinia usually takes place anytime between early spring and early fall--late spring, early summer being the best time. Unruly/unhealthy plants can be cut back 6 inches to the ground and will come back--annual pruning will help keep them maintained and manageable. They can take a pretty severe pruning, so you can cut them back to a manageable size without harming them.