Repeatedly clipping the Abelia into a ball has produced a twiggy mass with foliage only on the outside. I'd begin the rejuvenation process by ceasing the topiary.

Cicadas are beyond my experience so I'll leave them to someone else to discuss.

I had the same thought. That is that managing them as a-ball-ias has created your problem - it seems correctly pruned, natural habit specimens might be just as bare deep down inside but it wouldn't show because all the new growth will not have been sheared back or off over and over.

Actually repeated shearing back to the same distance from the center of the plant each time can eventually result in dead zones even when using kinds that lend themselves to formal shearing.

Thank You for the prompt response. Question? If I were to prune the shrubs way back, almost to the ground, would they come back with new growth? Die? Thanks for your previous responses.

Come back.

Sounds like cicada killers would be a good thing to have.

I do like the idea of pruning them back .....a lot!! Now, when is the appropriate time to do this? I live in growing Zone 7b, Greenville, SC. I like the idea of cutting back drastically because of the area where they are located. Close to the air conditioner and patio enclosure. This has been a "Great" learning experience for myself and do appreciate responses to a novice like myself. Thanks.

End of winter.