Question
We recently purchased a new home. We have three large Rhododendron plants. They stand about 6' high. I would like to cut them down by about 2 foot because they are blocking window views. What is the best time to cut them down? How do I do it properly without damaging the bush?

Thank you for your time,
Bob

Answer
Hello Bob

September would be a good time to do the job.  The best way to go about it is cut back about half the required amount, using an ordinary saw, to take some of the weight off the stems.  Next, using a pruning saw, cut to the required height, holding the stem steady above the proposed cut.

Don't worry too much about possible damage, it's amazingly difficult to kill a Rhody!!

Gill