They don't take well to hard pruning into the brown wood, so I'd be careful. The branches are probably flexible enough to "force" them into place with the cages, and then hope that they spring back eventually.

Larry

Thanks.

Keep in mind that everything is still dormant. It is possible, that they will bounce back once they start new growth and get energy flowing through the limbs. Try not to give up too soon. I think we have a couple months yet before the true extent of the damage is known. It could be less than you think.

Jen

I know I'm late on this, but my brooms are rather horizontal, too.

I worked at a nursery last year (2 years ago?) where we actually cut the brooms down to about 12" high after they'd bloomed. Some grew and bloomed a 2nd time. I don't know what would happen this time of year, but I highly doubt you'd kill them.

I'm going to wait and see, but if you're patient, the trimming can't hurt.

I finally sawed mine off a few inches above the ground. I really would have liked to dig them up but realized that I'd destroy too many other plants that were nearby. If they grow back fine but until then I'll put some annuals around to disguise the stumps.