How to Rejuvenate Overgrown Evergreen Shrubs

Moving into a new home with severely overgrown foundation shrubs can be daunting. Whether they're boxwoods, Foster hollies, or other evergreens, aggressive pruning all at once can kill certain species. The key is patience and a staged approach.

Know Your Plants' Tolerance

Some evergreens like yews tolerate hard pruning, but junipers and cedars will die if cut back beyond green growth. Identify your shrubs before cutting.

Staged Pruning Strategy

• Timing: Wait for cooler weather (September–October) to reduce stress.
• Amount: Remove only 4–5 inches per session.
• Method: Use hand clippers — not power hedge trimmers — for cleaner cuts and less damage.
• Follow-up: Prune again in spring to direct new growth inward and reshape the plant.

Why This Works

Gradual reduction allows the plant to generate new foliage from older wood, eventually creating a denser, properly sized shrub without shock.