By Bathgate
New York, United States
Help! I topped off my viburnum opalus (snowball bush). I didn't want it growing in front the windows. Did I kill it? Will it grow a new top? This bush is over 30 years old. Thank You.
- 25 Mar, 2020
Answers
I would expect it to re shoot, most of the viburnums respond well to renovation pruning, however in the past when renovating these I have found that the very older stems have been reluctant to respond, just be a little patient, the left stem looks to be damaged a bit at the base?, if you were not to get any regrowth, then rather than take it out you could just cut it straight to the ground, the top may be dead but the root system should still be ok and new shoots could appear, this has worked for me on various shrubs.
26 Mar, 2020
give it a top-dressing of compost - that might help if its feeling unloved!
26 Mar, 2020
Now that's what you call pruning!
26 Mar, 2020
Previous question
I think it should grow back, maybe lots of little branches at first. It may take a while to get back to its former glory but you haven't killed it, just cut it back.
26 Mar, 2020