Trying to help a friend who has about 30 Scot Pine bushes--not trees. Some have grown a bit tall and raggy over the years and he'd like to make them more compact so this could be a tough job. Some are about 5 feet tall and I'd like to give them a natural look, but have them lose a foot or so. These are about 25 years old, my guess.

I also read something about "candle pruning" which if I remove the candles with my fingers the growth will stop?

Any advice appreciated.

He pruned one himself last year and it looks boxy and not so good, spare.