Experts Share Tips for Reviving Overgrown Shrubs

Careful pruning can bring a monster shrub back to life, but some plants may be better off removed.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Overgrown shrubs can be a common problem for homeowners, blocking windows, swallowing walkways, and testing patience. Experts say many deciduous and fast-growing shrubs can benefit from a "rejuvenation cut" - a hard pruning that encourages new growth. However, certain plants like evergreens may not recover well from this drastic approach. The best time to prune is typically late winter or early spring, though fall can work for cold-hardy varieties. Proper pruning technique and post-pruning care are key to reviving an overgrown shrub.

Why it matters

Overgrown shrubs can be an eyesore and create safety issues, but many homeowners are hesitant to remove them entirely. Learning how to properly prune these plants can help gardeners regain control of their landscaping without losing beloved greenery.

The details

Experts recommend looking for signs that a shrub is ready for rejuvenation, such as it being too large for its space or having declining flowering. The pruning process involves cutting all stems back to 2-10 inches above the ground, using loppers or a pruning saw for thick stems. This drastic cut stimulates new growth from the plant's vigorous root system. Gardeners can also opt for a more gradual approach, removing 1/4 to 1/3 of the plant per year over several seasons. After pruning, the plant will need extra watering and fertilizing to recover. If the bare, pruned plant is unsightly, it can be camouflaged with annuals or fast-growing perennials.

  • The best time to prune an overgrown shrub is typically in late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges.
  • Pruning in late fall can also work for cold-tolerant plants like red-twig dogwood.

The players

Stacey Hirvela

Horticulturist and marketing manager for Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs.

Amanda Bennett

Vice president of horticulture and collections, and certified arborist at Atlanta Botanical Garden.

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What they’re saying

“Pruning is a tool that we can use to make our plants behave the way we want them to instead of the way they just naturally want to.”

— Stacey Hirvela, Horticulturist and marketing manager (countryliving.com)

“A rejuvenation cut is when you do a hard pruning, even a cut all the way to the ground to encourage new growth.”

— Amanda Bennett, Vice president of horticulture and collections, and certified arborist (countryliving.com)

What’s next

Gardeners should monitor the pruned shrub closely in the weeks after pruning to ensure it is recovering well with extra watering and care.

The takeaway

Careful pruning can breathe new life into overgrown shrubs, but homeowners should be prepared to put in the time and effort to properly maintain the plant after a rejuvenation cut. In some cases, removing and replacing the shrub may be the better long-term solution.