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Shrubs/pruning a sweet olive (osmanthus fragrans)

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Expert: Edward Gulliksen - 3/20/2007


Question
What is the best way to prune a sweet olive bush?  It is about 5 feet high right now and I would like to prune it down at least by a foot or more.  But there are not many leaves on the lower branches.

Answer
Sunny,

I would recommend that you wait until after the shrub has finished flowering before pruning. when you do prune, Do not take too much off at once, go 6-8 inches at a time. This will stimulate growth at the bottom and help it to fill in.

Good luck,
Ed Gulliksen  

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Edward Gulliksen

Expertise

I can help to diagnose any Tree and Shrub related problem, whether it be a disease or insect infestation.

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I am an ISA Certified Arborist, Consulting Arborist and a licensed NYS Pesticide Applicator.

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I am Vice President of the Professional Certified Applicators of Long Island as well as a member of the New York State Arboricultural Association and the Long Island Arboricultural Association.

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