Weeping Forsythia Is Creeping Not Weeping

Question

I cut my forsythia down almost to the ground last Fall. I was told to do no trimming or pruning this year as it will hinder the blooming process next spring. My forsythia is flourishing but not growing up. I have long branches growing along the ground. It’s almost as if the branches are too heavy. It’s starting to impact other plants. What can I do? My husband is ready to dig up the whole plant.

Answer 1

Forsythia should be pruned after flowering, not before. It blooms on flowers formed the previous summer. Is it possible you have a weeping variety? Another possibility is that the lower branches have rooted into the soil. If so, just pull them out of the ground. Here is more on the care of weeping forsythia:

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

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

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