They can typically take a hard pruning, but try to cut at least 1" out from the branch collar. Google branch collar or branch bark ridge pruning for helpful images.

Are you sure that it's a Schefflera? Doesn't sound like one, from your description; they're not usually bushy. Pls share a pic or 2 so we can see what we're talking about.

it def is. and i tried to post a pic but its not posting.

Karen,

They actulally normally are bushy. Especially if you’ve bought them from a nursery.

They’re only not bushy if you’re growing a single cutting and don’t prune it.

OK Elisa, sorry I've only ever seen single stems growing, I guess so I've never seen a Scheff that's bushy down below.

Thx for explaining this Dave, it's news to me, I'll live & learn another day >;)

Theyll back bud like crazy if you chop them hard this time of year.

These were originally two single stocks growing straight up.

Current:

Dang. I have to get used to looking at how many other topic forums posts are being posted under. If they were going to do that, I wish Houzz would have made all of the replies show up under the single thread!

ETA: It didn't initially, but finally got here! ok! :)