We've had these Red Tips in my entryway for 25 years and have never been pruned. They were at least 12 feet high. My wife hired this guy to prune them and I cannot believe what he did!!!!! He cut them back to about 3 feet and they are just ugly. Not to mention there goes my privacy. Will they ever be pretty again?
This is highly recommended for improperly maintained shrubs. This is much needed every year to maintain the best health possible. You will notice that when it recovers it will look better than it ever has. This article will give you more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/photinia/pruning-photinia-shrubs.htm
Once you place the bag over the trimmings, do you water it or leave it alone for 3 weeks. Thank You
Are you referring to taking cuttings? I'm not sure that the picture shows what you are referring to. I think the wrong photo may have been uploaded. I see a spider.
If you are referring to taking cuttings, then you will just want to watch them. They may not need any water until it roots. The soil must be almost completely dry before watering again. Leaving them too moist will cause rot.
Can you trim red top photinia that have basically turned into trees -- back to 3 feet in height, and have them survive?
You can hard prune these shrubs.
I do suggest though that you prune 1/3 of the shrub at each turn.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/photinia/rejuvenating-red-tip-photinia.htm
We moved 2 red robins recently and they have reallty shriveled up. We have one that has not been moved on clay soil that is doing really well.
It is possible that the roots were heavily damaged during the move, or not enough of the rootball was salvaged. If you can include some photos, then I can get a better idea of the damage.
This is highly debated subject.
Ideally, you prune these off, because they make caring for the shrub extremely difficult later on. You want space near the ground to be open so that there can be airflow to avoid disease.
If you choose to keep them, tying them up may prevent them from gaining their own structural strength since something will be doing that for them. Sometimes, they do develop properly that way, but it leaves the branches open to sprouting at the base, which will further your pruning problem later on.
I know it is hard to prune off so much growth at once, but it will help the structure in the long run, but should you keep them, I would leave them alone completely until you see how they will contribute to the structure.
This article will give you information on their care: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/photinia/rejuvenating-red-tip-photinia.htm
Leaves suddenly start turning pale green to pale/medium brown and dropping off of the branches. This happens quickly. These are healthy, dark green plants.
I would treat for a Leaf Spot fungus.
Apply a recommended fungicide at the first sign of disease or when new growth starts, and repeat application every 7 to 14 days. Be sure to follow the directions on the label. However, the use of fungicides for management of Entomosporium leaf spot is most effective when initiated early at new leaf emergence, and continued regularly until leaves become mature in early June. Then, applications should be made when conditions favor disease development (immediately following rainy periods). Fungicides do not be applied during hot, dry periods.
Losing quite a lot of leaves
The best location for this shrub is one that has full sun or partial shade. Plant it in well-drained soil in locations that get good air movement.
Avoid wet soils, as this can lead to root rot.
Water the plant once a week at the base during dry periods, and avoid getting the leaves wet.
These articles will help refresh you on care requirements.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/photinia/photinia-leaf-spot.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/photinia/growing-red-tip-photinia.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/photinia/red-tip-photinia-fertilizer.htm