Why are pigeons eating all the leaves on our forsythia bush? The whole of the top of our forsythia bush is stripped of leaves and we know it is pigeons as we have seen them flying off!! Never happened before in all the years it has been in place! Any ideas?
Pigeons are known to do this on occasion. It is frustrating but is typically not lethal to the tree.
If you can, bird netting placed over the bush will stop them. If the bush is too big for that, try hanging aluminum pie plates, old CDs or anything that will move in the wind a reflect light. This is typically enough to make birds nervous and move on to other places.
Is it possible to start forsythia plants from cutting branches off a living plant? My mother-in-law decided she wanted my cutting to start a new plant for herself. Could this have worked?
You can, though it's sometimes difficult. This article will tell you how: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/how-to-root-cuttings-from-various-shrubs-bushes-and-trees.htm
How do I prune forsythia?
This article should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/forsythia/forsythia-pruning.htm
When should I move my forsythia bushes to a new location?
You can actually transplant the shrub now as long as the threat of frost has passed in your area. These articles will help with caring for forsythia and preventing shock when transplanting: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/forsythia/forsythia-shrub-care.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/learn-how-to-avoid-and-repair-transplant-shock-in-plants.htm
I understand that I should prune my large forsythia tree in the spring just after flowering. However, I see that where the yellow flowers have started to die, green leaves are appearing. Therefore does it matter if I cut back the branches together with the new leaves? Thank you in advance for your reply.
As long as you don't take more than a third off at one time, it's fine. This article may help, if you haven't read it yet: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/forsythia/forsythia-pruning.htm
I have five forsythia bushes that are about 3 to 4 feet high. They have never been pruned. I have them planted (in a fenced in area) with about 12 blue spruce and 15 lilacs. The problem is that they only bloom on the branches that are near or on the ground. I have seen other bushes in my area that are in complete bloom at this time. This is the second year this has happened and I'm a little perplexed. Please help.
If you have not pruned any, it may be in need. Pruning can help rejuvenate the shrub and improve its overall health and blooming, as well as its appearance. You can do this now or wait unitl the few blooms you do have fade out. These articles will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/forsythia/forsythia-pruning.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/forsythia/forsythia-not-blooming.htm In addition, if blooming remains an issue, it is most likely lacking phosphorus. Add some phosphorus, such as bone meal, to the soil.
When is the best time to move this plant to a sunny area? Doesn't get much sun at this time and has been planted now for two-three years. Not growing much either. Thank you.
You can transplant now only if you can ensure that the shrub will receive plenty of water while it re-establishes its root system. In your area, the summers can get pretty hot and this could have an impact on how well the roots establish. Therefore, you may want to wait until fall to transplant so the heat will not be too much for it.