Michael, they look to be some type of multi-stemmed shrubs, and as such, the suckering growth habit is completely normal. Was not able to ID species, but I think it safe to say, if you want to prune them up to have a more "sculpted" look, you could do that, but it's certainly not necessary. What are they-do you happen to know? I don't want to linger on the pics because of all the semi-pornographic stuff at the bottom of the pages....my workplace takes a dim view of viewing such items!

And again-without going back to look-the other option you've got is to sharpen up your power saw and cut these down to as near to the ground as possible. Most multi-stemmed shrubs will then send up a profusion of new, more colorful shoots.

Whew what a mess! I'd certainly cut them to the ground, whats considered a rejuvenation cut.

And I'm not trying to nitpick, but the trash on the ground doesn't make them look any better. ;)

Michael - it looks as if you have several large shrubs there which have been hacked about over the years. I believe you have Elder in there and also Ash in the mix too. Elder and Ash are typical self sowing species which appear in unmaintained UK gardens. Or alternatively they can be the remnants of farm hedges which predate housing development. If you could give us some close ups of buds we can id the shrubs for certain. Or wait until they leafout. However, I am afraid that if these were in my back garden I would be inclined just to get rid of the lot of them.

Michael, do you know what kind of tree they are? What's your general location?

We really can't help you without knowing the plant's typical growth habit and pruning response. Identity of the specific genus is important.

Thanks all for the comments all, I am thinking about just getting rid of them and that may be the best way forward. I think I will cut them all back and see how it goes.

Insufficient Data. There are some species that do that all the time, and others that do that in response to stress. What species are they? What zone are you in? Did you have an uncharacteristically cold or dry winter? Were they exposed to road salt?

DON'T get rid of them until you know what they are...for all we know they could be an endangered species or rare cultivar that costs tens of thousands of dollars.

Take some photos when they bloom, and make a decision then.

good point, ok, I'll wait and take pics, thanks.

I'm pretty sure Michael is in the UK. I've suggested the species which I think he has.

True, but even you asked to see the buds so you could ID them for certain.

You're right. But I can give a definite id on the Milky Bar Buttons packet under the bush;-)

Pretty sure that's an old common Lilac. It's growing exactly as it is supposed to...it sends up suckers/water sprouts like crazy and the old stems do have a finite life.

I will concede the Milky Bar Buttons probably should be removed now.

Seriously, is this a new house, by any chance?

Looks to me like the garden behind an inter- or just post-war house which has been inhabited by someone who was not remotely interested in the garden.

BTW Lilac did also cross my mind. We need to see buds.

I meant new to Mr. Porter. There are things you could cofuse an ash or elderberry with...but if he had lived here last Spring, he'd probably know one any or another if those were lilacs.

MANY THINGS.. THAT ARE LITERALLY... crikey ... growing.. IN A FENCE ... are carp plants.. planted by bird droppings ... when they sat on tyhe fence and deposited them ...

odds are ... your instinct is right.. and they all should go ...

personally.. it would be a summer job for me ... so in the mean time.. i would let them leaf out.. get the IDs .... and have at them ...

however ... if your motivated now ... it will be much easier.. to simply get rid of them ... and then.. once its all cleaned up ... then design and plant your own future nightmare.. lol .. like we all did ...

that bath tub or whatever ... i know a lot of gardeners who would die for that in there yard .. so much design potential ... heck.. you could even make a fish pond out of it with a pump ...and im just talking 10 cent goldfish ...

be done with it.. clean it all out.. and by fall .. you will be happy with it all ...

ken

OMG - transported back to (non-gourmet) childhood by the sight of that Fray Bentos pie tin.

Whoever lived there before didn't garden OR COOK.

Yep - a mishmash mess of lilac, forsythia, elder...have them out.

Good grief, you're right! Fray Bentos it is. I was seeing an ice cream tub lid.