Red Robin Pruning

[sddsddean]

We have got 2 standard red robins in our garden. Both are about 12 years old, but the foliage has become quite 'sparse'. They stand about 7 feet tall and the foliage has been trimmed so that it is a 5 feet diameter 'ball' at the top of the trunk. We are thinking of pruning it back quite hard, but this would mean most (if not all) of the current foliage would go. Will it recover if we take such drastic action or should we just trim it as usual? If its OK, what is the best time of year to do it. Like I say, we really want to get some thicker foliage into it and this is the only thing we can think of doing.

[gangesboy]

Ive got a couple of red robins and I follow this advice
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=145

[Chipchopper]

If you do decide to trim it, be wary of autumnal frosts, which can damage the foliage, they do really need a fair bit of time to harden off.
Personally I wouldn't go in too hard unless its very sheltered and mild in your location.

[sddsddean]

Thanks both. Think we'll leave it until March or so, then have a go! I've read on a few other sites that they'll stand a fairly hard prune in spring, and then trim every so often through to mid summer. We'll see how it goes!!

[Captain2]

We had a similar looking specimen, about 10' tall with lovely leaves on the edges but not a lot within. The good lady decided enough was enough and instructed (read: ordered) me to cut it back to basically the trunk with 5 or 6 main branches approx 8" long. This was April time. The poor thing looked like an arm waving skeleton.
Looking out now it has a ball of beautiful red leaves about 2' high and 3' spread. It must be very resilient and is now thriving. Don't think I'd do it at this time of year though. Good luck.

[sddsddean]

Sounds good Capt...thats what we'll hope for!!