When to Prune

Question

I need to prune the following plants, please advise when is the best time/season to prune them:
1. Mt. Laurel
2. Holly
3. Upright and spreading yews.

Also, how far can I cut back the Holly and yews? I need to cut them back as far as possible.

I live in CT, and due to the damaging blizzard last fall I did not trim anything very much. Thank you very much.

Answer 1

These articles should help:

https://yardiac.blogspot.com/2008/10/pruning-your-mountain-laurel.html

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/trimming-holly-bushes-how-to-prune-holly-bushes.htm

https://apps.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=729#section2

https://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/2000/2-11-2000/prunetime.html

The holly and yews, you can cut back quite severely, but realize that a severe pruning will take about 2 years to fill back in.