Question
I have 3 old viburnums which have grown to about 8 or 9 feet, but have become leggy at the bottom with no leaves.  Can I cut the old trunks off and leave the new growth to regrow as new shrubs?  These viburnums have sweet white flowers in the late spring.  I live in the thumb of Michigan.  They are on the North side of the house and in a protected part of the landscape.  These shrubs were here and large when I bought the house 5 years ago.  Thank you

Answer
Sharon,
Yes you can prune the older canes out and leave the newer growth to fill in. I would recommend that you do this pruning in the early spring (March-April) to ensure flower production and healthier new growth. Hit them with some fertilizer in the spring and they will flourish.