First off...I am a COMPLETE NEWBIE to gardening so please excuse me if this question is silly! I just bought a new house with a big yard (and I have NEVER gardened in my life!)... Two sides of the house is surrounded by other neighbor's fencing however one side is separated from my neighbor by bushes only (no fence). The former owners kept these bushes "flat" on top (for lack or correct descriptor!)....I personal like things to look more rustic (vs very "manicured"), however I'm not sure if these bushes NEED to be pruned? Or if I can just let them grow wild?? I asked the neighbor (who's on the other side of these bushes!) if he cares if I "flatten" them or let them grow and he said "we're totally laid back...we don't care if you cut them or not" (nice neighbor). :) But I want to get some "experienced" opinions!

I will attach photos...ANY advice is appreciated! And if you know WHAT it is, that would be great too (all I know is it's some kind of ivy). THANK YOU!!!

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