Can anyone identify what type of shrub this is and what it is called? Here
are two photos:


http://i42.tinypic.com/jto3t0.jpg



http://i43.tinypic.com/xgfjpx.jpg



I have several of these at a property in Eastern Pennsylvania (in Lower
Bucks County). They are way too big and overgrown for where they are
located on the property and I would like to cut them way back if possible.
It may be the wrong time of year to do that now, and it may be that if I cut
them way back it will take too long for them to recover and look half way
decent.

But, if I could identify exactly what type of shrub it is, maybe I could do
a little more research on how and when to trim them etc.

Thanks.

On Nov 14, 11:57*am, "Ron" wrote:
Can anyone identify what type of shrub this is and what it is called? *Here
are two photos:

http://i42.tinypic.com/jto3t0.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/xgfjpx.jpg

I have several of these at a property in Eastern Pennsylvania (in Lower
Bucks County). *They are way too big and overgrown for where they are
located on the property and I would like to cut them way back if possible..
It may be the wrong time of year to do that now, and it may be that if I cut
them way back it will take too long for them to recover and look half way
decent.

But, if I could identify exactly what type of shrub it is, maybe I could do
a little more research on how and when to trim them etc.

Thanks.

fitzer, they are a evergreen. sadly cutting them back a lot will leave
them ugly...... the interior needles are all dead and they dont
recover well from severe pruning

On Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:57:23 -0500, "Ron" wrote:

Can anyone identify what type of shrub this is and what it is called? Here
are two photos:


http://i42.tinypic.com/jto3t0.jpg



http://i43.tinypic.com/xgfjpx.jpg



I have several of these at a property in Eastern Pennsylvania (in Lower
Bucks County). They are way too big and overgrown for where they are
located on the property and I would like to cut them way back if possible.
It may be the wrong time of year to do that now, and it may be that if I cut
them way back it will take too long for them to recover and look half way
decent.

But, if I could identify exactly what type of shrub it is, maybe I could do
a little more research on how and when to trim them etc.

They are some kind of Arbor Vitae, I think. They will take a crapload
of abuse. you might be able to just hack them down to size if you
can live with some scraggle for a year or two.

Better yet, if you found a landscaper who needed a couple that size,
they might be able to yank yours out and put some smaller ones in.

There is a local guy that has a giant shovel that transplants 20-30'
trees with a minimum of fuss. Might be too close to your house to
use that-- but a decent landscaper can tell you for sure.

Jim

On Nov 14, 12:19*pm, Jim Elbrecht wrote:
On Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:57:23 -0500, "Ron" wrote:
Can anyone identify what type of shrub this is and what it is called? *Here
are two photos:

http://i42.tinypic.com/jto3t0.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/xgfjpx.jpg

I have several of these at a property in Eastern Pennsylvania (in Lower
Bucks County). *They are way too big and overgrown for where they are
located on the property and I would like to cut them way back if possible.
It may be the wrong time of year to do that now, and it may be that if I cut
them way back it will take too long for them to recover and look half way
decent.

But, if I could identify exactly what type of shrub it is, maybe I could do
a little more research on how and when to trim them etc.

They are some kind of Arbor Vitae, I think. *They will take a crapload
of abuse. * you might be able to just hack them down to size if you
can live with some scraggle for a year or two.

Better yet, if you found a landscaper who needed a couple that size,
they might be able to yank yours out and put some smaller ones in.

There is a local guy that has a giant shovel that transplants 20-30'
trees with a minimum of fuss. * * *Might be too close to your house to
use that-- but a decent landscaper can tell you for sure.

Jim- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Agree. Definitely an arbor vitae. Given the rounded shape,
I would think it could be a globe arbor vitae. The bad news is
that once they are that size there it;s not practical to get them
cut way back in size. The green growth is at the perimeter and
it will look like hell. And from the location, I would agree
they need to be cut way back, like to 50% at least. Like Jim said,
they can take a lot of abuse, so when you trim them isn't critical.

The good news is that if you want to start over, nurseries are
having Fall blowouts and these aren't expensive. I could
get new ones, about 2ft in size for $10 -15 now in NJ.

The bad news is that if you want to put them back in the
same spot, digging out the old ones is gonna be the hard
part. But that is what day laborers are good at....

On 11/14/2011 11:34 AM, wrote:
....

But, if I could identify exactly what type of shrub it is, maybe I could do
a little more research on how and when to trim them etc.


....

The good news is that if you want to start over, nurseries are
having Fall blowouts and these aren't expensive. I could
get new ones, about 2ft in size for $10 -15 now in NJ.

....

The really good news if that is the idea/ok, you can simply cut them
back for nothing. See last para. of

http://www.aboutarborvitae.com/pruning_arborvitae.shtml

There were several here that did that at least three times I can recall.
Eventually took them out because they were simply too large a plant
for the location, but they would have gone through the cycle indefinitely.

--

Thanks everyone. Looks like the answer is "globe arborvitae" as most
suggested. I did a Google search and the images show everyone is correct
and that is what I have.

Here's one excerpt that I found about pruning them:

"One of the best features of arborvitaes is their tolerance of being sheared
on a regular basis, making them good candidates for formal plantings and
hedges. They should be pruned in early summer (right after the new growth
has fully expanded) and they can be pruned again in mid- to late-August. The
key to keeping pruned arborvitaes looking good for years and years is to
start early and stay after them. If you want to keep them pruned to a four
foot hedge, don't wait until they are five feet and try to hold them back.
Starting before they reach the desired size encourages good thick growth and
strong branching."

Looks like the only realistic option for me would be to remove what I have
and plant new ones. I definitely waited way too long to get around to
dealing with cutting back what I have.

Ron wrote:
Can anyone identify what type of shrub this is and what it is called?
Here are two photos:

http://i42.tinypic.com/jto3t0.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/xgfjpx.jpg

I have several of these at a property in Eastern Pennsylvania (in
Lower Bucks County). They are way too big and overgrown for where
they are located on the property and I would like to cut them way
back if possible. It may be the wrong time of year to do that now,
and it may be that if I cut them way back it will take too long for
them to recover and look half way decent.

But, if I could identify exactly what type of shrub it is, maybe I
could do a little more research on how and when to trim them etc.

Thanks.

On Nov 14, 12:53*pm, dpb wrote:
On 11/14/2011 11:34 AM, wrote:
...

But, if I could identify exactly what type of shrub it is, maybe I could do
a little more research on how and when to trim them etc.

...

The good news is that if you want to start over, nurseries are
having Fall blowouts and these aren't expensive. *I could
get new ones, about 2ft in size for $10 -15 now in NJ.

...

The really good news if that is the idea/ok, you can simply cut them
back for nothing. *See last para. of

http://www.aboutarborvitae.com/pruning_arborvitae.shtml

There were several here that did that at least three times I can recall.
* Eventually took them out because they were simply too large a plant
for the location, but they would have gone through the cycle indefinitely..

--

....and on a somewhat related note....

I was watching Ask This Old House this weekend. Roger Cook was helping
a homeowner remove an overgrown shrub.

I don't recall the name of the very alive shrub that he cut down to
ground level, but his comment was "We don't have to remove the stump,
it will never sprout. We'll just plant around it." He used a chain saw
to cut the multi-trunked stump flush with ground level.

Why wouldn't *any* previously healthy shrub try to regenerate itself?
I don't think I've ever been able to just cut something down to the
ground and not have it grow back.

I recall a certain pussy willow bush that I cut back for years before
I finally busted out the shovel, ax and pick and removed every last
trace of the rotting stump to stop the annual regrowth.

I also recall a mimosa tree whose roots shot up lines of sprouts all
over my yard even after the stump had been cut free and dragged away.
I ended up having to dig up the yard and pull the entire root system
to stop the sprouts.

What kind of shrub could Roger have cut back that will never sprout
again?

On 11/14/2011 2:12 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
....

What kind of shrub could Roger have cut back that will never sprout
again?

Quite a number of shrub-like small trees are non-regenerative. Most
junipers, etc., ...

--

On 11/14/2011 1:43 PM, Ron wrote:
....

Looks like the only realistic option for me would be to remove what I have
and plant new ones. I definitely waited way too long to get around to
dealing with cutting back what I have.
....

Why????

Just cut them back to the ground as the link I pointed you at says and
let them regenerate and then keep them trimmed at the size you want.

--

On Nov 14, 4:00*pm, dpb wrote:
On 11/14/2011 2:12 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
...

What kind of shrub could Roger have cut back that will never sprout
again?

Quite a number of shrub-like small trees are non-regenerative. *Most
junipers, etc., ...

--

So you can prune them and they'll grow back but if you cut them to the
ground they won't?

As the pro athlete once asked about a thermos's ability to keep hot
stuff hot and cold stuff cold, "How do it know?"

On 11/14/2011 3:10 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
....

So you can prune them and they'll grow back but if you cut them to the
ground they won't?

As the pro athlete once asked about a thermos's ability to keep hot
stuff hot and cold stuff cold, "How do it know?"

No; you misunderstood me.

Whether a particular species will or won't is dependent on it's
particular nature, not on the specific height. It's a genes thing, iow...

--

DerbyDad03 wrote in news:b7d0d96d-bedb-4a3c-b4dc-
:

On Nov 14, 4:00*pm, dpb wrote:
On 11/14/2011 2:12 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
...

What kind of shrub could Roger have cut back that will never sprout
again?

Quite a number of shrub-like small trees are non-regenerative. *Most
junipers, etc., ...

--

So you can prune them and they'll grow back but if you cut them to the
ground they won't?

As the pro athlete once asked about a thermos's ability to keep hot
stuff hot and cold stuff cold, "How do it know?"

Like arbor vitae varieties, tsuga varieties are often used for hedges.
If you cut tsuga too far back, it will look dead for years. Perhaps it
can grow back a bit eventually, but if you want to severely prune these
types of bushes, you may have to be rather judicious and first prune
something like every other branch. Then 1. the plant can still grow, and
2. light penetrating to the insides can stimulate new growth from
branchpoints futther inside. Depending on the bush, YMMV! Ask some
expert, probably best to ask more than 1 ...

--
Best regards
Han
email address is invalid

On Nov 14, 4:28*pm, dpb wrote:
On 11/14/2011 3:10 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
...

So you can prune them and they'll grow back but if you cut them to the
ground they won't?

As the pro athlete once asked about a thermos's ability to keep hot
stuff hot and cold stuff cold, "How do it know?"

No; you misunderstood me.

Whether a particular species will or won't is dependent on it's
particular nature, not on the specific height. *It's a genes thing, iow....

--

See Han's post.

I think that's where I was headed as that was what I understood from
Roger.

Pruning will allow new growth - both from the pruned branches and from
the newly exposed interior.

Maybe it's that you need "brachpoints" for new growth, which you don't
have when you cut the thick branches off at the ground.

The main reason I ask is that we are considering removing some shrubs
from in front of our house and putting in a raised flower garden built
with landscape blocks.

If I can just cut the shrubs down to current ground level and then
bury them in a foot or so of dirt without worrying that they'll show
up again in a few years, that sure would beat trying to remove all of
the "stumps".

On Nov 14, 4:02*pm, dpb wrote:
On 11/14/2011 1:43 PM, Ron wrote:
...

Looks like the only realistic option for me would be to remove what I have
and plant new ones. *I definitely waited way too long to get around to
dealing with cutting back what I have.

...

Why????

Just cut them back to the ground as the link I pointed you at says and
let them regenerate and then keep them trimmed at the size you want.

--

Probably because if he cuts them back that far, I doubt
they will survive, despite what your link says. And even
if they do, for several years he will be looking at some small amount
of growth emerging from a 3" around stump. Not exactly
what I'd want next to my house when you can get new
small plants to replace them for $10.

On Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:02:37 -0600, dpb wrote:

On 11/14/2011 1:43 PM, Ron wrote:
...

Looks like the only realistic option for me would be to remove what I have
and plant new ones. I definitely waited way too long to get around to
dealing with cutting back what I have.
...

Why????

Just cut them back to the ground as the link I pointed you at says and
let them regenerate and then keep them trimmed at the size you want.

I'm with dpb on this. You might not have much luck cutting them
back to 1/2 their current size as it would leave a lot of big woody
leafless branches to support. But if you cut them to the ground it
will send up shoots which will look good the second year and probably
be the right size in 3-4.

Just be aware that if you go to remove them, you will need to dig 3-4
deep and a foot or two bigger than the diameter of the bush. And it
won't be easy digging.

Put a couple large annuals in front of the scraggly stump until it
looks nice-- spend the digging time on ahr.

Jim

On 11/14/2011 3:45 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
....

See Han's post.

I did...he's right (and wrong at the same time). Whether that happens
(regenerant from inside growth) is dependent on what the particular
species is--many do, some don't.

....

The main reason I ask is that we are considering removing some shrubs
from in front of our house and putting in a raised flower garden built
with landscape blocks.

If I can just cut the shrubs down to current ground level and then
bury them in a foot or so of dirt without worrying that they'll show
up again in a few years, that sure would beat trying to remove all of
the "stumps".

Again, it depends upon what they are, specifically.

If you know (or can find that out), then the question can be answered,
pretty much definitively.

However, for most woody shrubs, even those that would otherwise
regenerate, it's highly likely the extra depth over their previously
established depth would prevent them from coming up. You can kill a
healthy tree by piling dirt up around it too much.

Otoh, other things more vine'y things like wisteria and honeysuckle,
even though they may main branches that are quite sizable, have a pretty
good penchant for coming up from roots as do other species of trees like
willows, many of the "trashy" elms like Siberian or Chinese, etc., etc., ...

It all depends on just what the particular nature of the beastie in
question is.

--

On 11/14/2011 4:00 PM, Jim Elbrecht wrote:
On Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:02:37 -0600, wrote:
....

Just cut them back to the ground as the link I pointed you at says and
let them regenerate and then keep them trimmed at the size you want.

I'm with dpb on this. You might not have much luck cutting them
back to 1/2 their current size as it would leave a lot of big woody
leafless branches to support. But if you cut them to the ground it
will send up shoots which will look good the second year and probably
be the right size in 3-4.
....

Indeed.

They would survive the massive pruning; only as you say would be
butt-ugly, however, as they would send out new growth much like a
severely topped tree does.

OTOH, from a fresh start it will be essentially as if planted a new
specimen in a short time.

--

On 11/14/2011 3:47 PM, wrote:
....

Probably because if he cuts them back that far, I doubt
they will survive, despite what your link says....

Nonsense.

We cut specimens back here numerous times over some 40 years. And I'll
wager the climate is far harsher and less forgiving than OP's. The only
reason they're no longer here is finally got tired of doing so as they
were simply too large for the space and so took them out entirely
(leaving nothing in their place).

It won't take long at all for them to regenerate to quite nice small
plantings and they'll have well established roots far beyond those of
the new ones to boot making them far more drought tolerant, etc., etc., ...

The initial cost may not be that much, the effort to remove the old ones
is likely substantial and there is really no need whatsoever if the
intent is to replace them w/ the same thing.

--

DerbyDad03 wrote in news:0128c018-68b3-464b-9aff-
:

If I can just cut the shrubs down to current ground level and then
bury them in a foot or so of dirt without worrying that they'll show
up again in a few years, that sure would beat trying to remove all of
the "stumps".

That'll depend on the kind of shrub. Like someone said, it's the genes.
Some things like wisteria or honeysuckle could come back fairly easily,
others like arbor vitae won't. I know the vines are genetically far
removed from arbor vitae grin.

--
Best regards
Han
email address is invalid

dpb wrote in :

On 11/14/2011 3:45 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
...

See Han's post.

I did...he's right (and wrong at the same time). Whether that happens
(regenerant from inside growth) is dependent on what the particular
species is--many do, some don't.

...

The main reason I ask is that we are considering removing some shrubs
from in front of our house and putting in a raised flower garden
built with landscape blocks.

If I can just cut the shrubs down to current ground level and then
bury them in a foot or so of dirt without worrying that they'll show
up again in a few years, that sure would beat trying to remove all of
the "stumps".

Again, it depends upon what they are, specifically.

If you know (or can find that out), then the question can be answered,
pretty much definitively.

However, for most woody shrubs, even those that would otherwise
regenerate, it's highly likely the extra depth over their previously
established depth would prevent them from coming up. You can kill a
healthy tree by piling dirt up around it too much.

Otoh, other things more vine'y things like wisteria and honeysuckle,
even though they may main branches that are quite sizable, have a
pretty good penchant for coming up from roots as do other species of
trees like willows, many of the "trashy" elms like Siberian or
Chinese, etc., etc., ...

It all depends on just what the particular nature of the beastie in
question is.

Sorry, didn't seethis post before my last answer. dpb is right!


--
Best regards
Han
email address is invalid

On 11/14/2011 6:55 PM, Han wrote:
....

Some things like wisteria or honeysuckle could come back fairly easily,
others like arbor vitae won't....

Arborvitae _will_ come back from a short pruning down to the main trunk
a few inches. I don't know firsthand about taking it clear to the
ground but do know about the other.

--

dpb wrote in :

On 11/14/2011 6:55 PM, Han wrote:
...

Some things like wisteria or honeysuckle could come back fairly easily,
others like arbor vitae won't....

Arborvitae _will_ come back from a short pruning down to the main trunk
a few inches. I don't know firsthand about taking it clear to the
ground but do know about the other.

I just finished watching an episode of this old house hour, where some 3
arbor vitae were cut down to the ground by Roger using a chainsaw. He
claimed they wouldn't come back. A huge rhododendron was pruned back
rather severely but allowing branches to keep a leaf or so. All this was
done in spring in MA. I believe the episode aired here a few days ago.


--
Best regards
Han
email address is invalid

"Ron" wrote in message ...
Can anyone identify what type of shrub this is and what it is called?
Here are two photos:


http://i42.tinypic.com/jto3t0.jpg



http://i43.tinypic.com/xgfjpx.jpg



I have several of these at a property in Eastern Pennsylvania (in Lower
Bucks County). They are way too big and overgrown for where they are
located on the property and I would like to cut them way back if possible.
It may be the wrong time of year to do that now, and it may be that if I
cut them way back it will take too long for them to recover and look half
way decent.

But, if I could identify exactly what type of shrub it is, maybe I could
do a little more research on how and when to trim them etc.

Thanks.
Looks like a Junipur type to me. We had about 20 along the front of our
house next to the street. I wanted them gone. Called a fellow that would
dig them out for $125. Our 2 boys heard this and said _Dad we would do
that, would we get $125. I said sure knowing how much digging it would
take. I left to do some shopping and was back in an hour. WOW they were all
gone. The boys wrapped a chain around the base and pulled them out with our
4WD. Loaded into the truck and took them to the dump. Quickest money they
ever made. WW

On Nov 14, 6:05*pm, dpb wrote:
On 11/14/2011 3:47 PM, wrote:
...

Probably because if he cuts them back that far, I doubt
they will survive, despite what your link says....

Nonsense.

We cut specimens back here numerous times over some 40 years. *And I'll
wager the climate is far harsher and less forgiving than OP's. *The only
reason they're no longer here is finally got tired of doing so as they
were simply too large for the space and so took them out entirely
(leaving nothing in their place).


It won't take long at all for them to regenerate to quite nice small
plantings and they'll have well established roots far beyond those of
the new ones to boot making them far more drought tolerant, etc., etc., ....

The initial cost may not be that much, the effort to remove the old ones
is likely substantial and there is really no need whatsoever if the
intent is to replace them w/ the same thing.

--

The need is that best case it will take a couple years before he
has a decent shrub. In the mean time he gets to look at a 3" around
cut
off stump. For me that's unacceptable when it's in front of the
house. I just removed several here and replaced them and it wasn't
a big deal. If he can place the new ones slightly to the side of the
existing stump, it's even easier.

"Ron" wrote in :

Can anyone identify what type of shrub this is and what it is called?
Here are two photos:

I have several of these at a property in Eastern Pennsylvania (in
Lower Bucks County).


Have you tried the Penn. extension service and asked a professional
horticulturist? Penn. State has a great extension service.

Doc wrote:
"Ron" wrote in :

Can anyone identify what type of shrub this is and what it is called?
Here are two photos:

I have several of these at a property in Eastern Pennsylvania (in
Lower Bucks County).


Have you tried the Penn. extension service and asked a professional
horticulturist? Penn. State has a great extension service.

Thanks, but there is no need for me to do that at this point. People here
were able to provide the answer I needed within the first few replies that
were posted. They suggested Globe Arborvitae and after a Google Images
follow-up on my end I was able to confirm that is what I have.

wrote:
On Nov 14, 4:02 pm, dpb wrote:
On 11/14/2011 1:43 PM, Ron wrote:
...

Looks like the only realistic option for me would be to remove what
I have and plant new ones. I definitely waited way too long to get
around to dealing with cutting back what I have.
...

Why????

Just cut them back to the ground as the link I pointed you at says
and let them regenerate and then keep them trimmed at the size you
want.
--

Probably because if he cuts them back that far, I doubt
they will survive, despite what your link says. And even
if they do, for several years he will be looking at some small amount
of growth emerging from a 3" around stump. Not exactly
what I'd want next to my house when you can get new
small plants to replace them for $10.

Yes, that is why I don't want to just cut them back and wait for them to
produce a decent green evergreen shrub. It would be easier and more
aesthetic to just remove what I have (probably by just cutting them off at
the base)and then plant new ones. There are only 4 of them, so it won't be
a big deal.

I am also not sure that the article excerpt that I posted is completely
correct that by cutting them way back and leaving a small stump the shrub
will re-grow and look okay. In reading other articles, some seem to say
that works and others say it will not work. I do know that when cutting
some trees and shrubs off at ground level, some will produce new shoots and
new growth and some will not. At the place where I work, I cut off a big
globe-shaped shrub at the base to remove it and nothing ever grew back out
of the stump or from any of the roots. I am not sure what that was, but
when I cut it off the wood looked sort of like cherry wood or cherry-colored
wood.