Trim early flowering shrubs
Prune early-flowering deciduous shrubs now to stimulate fresh growth that will mature and provide more flowers next year. Thin growth out rather than cut hard back. Stand back to help decide which cuts to make to keep the shrub balanced. The shrub should look open in the middle but hold its shape overall.
1 SELECT shrubs that have recently flowered for pruning; forsythia, chaenomeles and this flowering currant are in this pruning group.
2 PRUNE out whole stems with loppers or a saw at the base. Choose either the oldest or those growing in the wrong direction. Cutting the stem into smaller sections makes it easier to remove.
3 CAREFULLY prune out one or more of the stems if they are congested to open up the shrub and improve air circulation. An angled pruning saw is useful to get into tight places and helps to avoid damaging any nearby stems.
4 CUT back any snags that are left and use secateurs to cut back any young outer shoots that have suffered from the winter weather or snapped while you have been working.