it appears you were dam lucky the house wasnt impacted ...

you will know in spring.. and i suggest you do nothing between now and then ...

you are correct.. with no insult to the root mass.. odds are high they should resprout in spring....

and in mid to late summer.. we can review how they have grown.. and what needs be done.. to start pruning them into a NEW shape and form ....

do not fixate on them being what they used to be...

keep us posted ....

ken

Thanks! And 100% agree on the house!

It is very common for hydrangeas to get mowed or pruned hard by either the owner or by a landscape worker by mistake (or on purpose). As long as the roots were not injured, the soil remains moist and mulched, they tend to come back in spring but it may take a few years to reach the previous dimensions. The panicles will still bloom in 2024. However, the oakleaf hydrangea will not bloom until 2025.But do not water if the soil has now frozen or if temperatures are below freezing when you irrigate. If the shrubs were not yet dormant when they were cut. pruning may force new stem growth that early frosts may injure but if that happens, there will be more growth in spring. Monitor if the lack of the tree will or will not cause an issue in the summer to the oakleaf (getting too much hot summer sun, especially afternoon sun).

The Hydrangeas looked gangly and as if the were leaning in search of light. Heavy 'pruning' and removal of a shading tree could even make them come back better than before.