Hello,

I have two Eugenia shrubs that have grown much larger than I anticipated. I planted these shrubs in 2018. Please see photos. One is growing into my driveway even with trimming. I'm wondering what the best practical solution and less detrimental to the shrub, trimming more on one side, or digging the shrubs up and moving over a bit. I'm not sure if I could even dig down enough without harming the roots. If I trimmed off about a foot on the side that is growing toward my driveway, the tree would actually be even with the other side that doesn't get the sun. Would this kill the tree, or would the leaves grow back and fill in?

Could the shrubs be spiral trimmed or trimmed so that there is only a top section (gum drop shape?) Or, is this even a possibility? I hate to lose the shrubs but wondering if I'm being practical.
Thanks so much!!

Eugenia/Syzygium is exceptionally forgiving of very hard pruning and back-buds prolifically, which explains why they are so popular as topiary. You can prune to whatever shape you like with no need to be concerned the plant won't fill back in. If you take it back hard enough you will, of course, have a bare spot temporarily during the short period while back-budding and regrowth occurs.

Here is one in a pot that went from this:


To this:


Back to this:

all within the span of 3 months ..... and that's in a pot!

Al

Tapla,

Thanks for responding!! I'm somewhat new to Florida tropical plants and didn't want to lose this shrub.

My pleasure. Best of luck, Sunset.

Al