The last picture looks like buckthorn, an invasive.

Yup, I agree with Emma - the second shrub is a buckthorn. I would suggest cutting it down and then treating the cut surfaces with an herbicide such as triclopyr. If you don't use the herbicide, it will spring up again from the stump(s).

non diluted round up is also used for stump killing ...

we need to see the flowers on the first to get an ID ...and once you do.. if its a worthy plant.. google REJUVENATION PRUNING OF FLOWERING SHRUBS.. and you will be well on your way ...

its not a haircut thing ...

ken

Nick, the first plant looks to be a ninebark. Decent native shrub, useful in a number of ways. Can be renewal pruned, but that is usually done in the dormant season. The second one is common buckthorn, a disaster in slow motion. Get rid of that POS bu any and all means possible. See the green fruits? They will soon ripen to jet black, which actually looks cool against the snow of winter. But....but...but..this is a horribly invasive thing, ruining woodlands all over the upper midwest and beyond. Use the cut/treat method to kill it. First, cut the plant off somewhere near the ground, no particular length of stub is important here. Then, immediately daub, paint, or sponge on some concentrated glyphosate (41% AI) or Triclopyr. Do not use any other herbicides for this. And if possible, do this from second half of summer through February, when sap movement is more downward. This will help either of these systemic herbicides to move throughout the plant, killing the whole thing.

One final note: If you've got one big, mature, fruiting buckthorn, there are more coming up in dark places in your yard. When very young, they are quite easily pulled out by the roots, and some can be foliar sprayed, where no collateral damage will occur. So take a look around. I'll bet you a dozen donuts there are more on or near your property.

Thanks guys! I think the only good thing it does is provide privacy. It is an ugly looking beast though.