Shaping Forsythia Bush

Question

It is august and my forsythia bush is “out of control”. Can I lightly shape it now or should I wait til spring

Answer 1

Forsythia blooms on old wood so pruning now is risky. It may have already formed next year's buds. You should be able to see them. You can remove dead or damaged stems at any time. If you need to remove a few stems at the base, you can do that. But lightly pruning all the stems will reduce flowering next spring. Here is more:

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

If your Forsythia has not been pruned in years and needs rejuvenation pruning, here is how:

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