I am the new owner of 2 very old sage shrubs badly in need of pruning.
They are about 3' high and are I'm guessing at least 5 years old. The majority of the plants have leaves in the top 1/3 of each plant, while the lower portions are just too tough to accommodate further growth. The bottom stems that show on the outer edge of each plant are pretty much dead.
Despite their very shaggy look, they grew a great deal last year because I can see the remains of last year's leaves.
I'm afraid of cutting them back too much, and I also don't know when it would be safe to prune. Advice, please.