To shear the plant, go over the whole plant with your pruning shears. Trim the tips off all of the branches to create a more even shape. Make sure to leave at least 1 shoot at the top of the tree for new growth. Pruning shears are scissor-like pruners that have 2 long blades that make them great for shaping your plant. If you need to remove entire branches, use loppers or a small saw. The earliest you should prune these trees is mid-March, though it does depend on how early spring comes to your area. [2] X Research source
Anytime you prune a tree, you can encourage new growth. Therefore, it’s best to wait until prime growing season for pruning these trees so you don’t encourage it to start growing in winter. [3] X Research source
You can trim diseased, broken, or dead branches away if you need to, as well as any branches that rub on each other.
Arborvitae really don’t need much pruning in general, so you should mostly prune to keep the tree’s natural shape.
Check to make sure the fronds are growing on the wood that you’re leaving behind. If you cut into old wood that isn’t growing fronds, the tree will not regrow from that point. [8] X Research source
When shaping the tree, follow its natural shape by snipping off pieces that are sticking out.
If you notice you’ve created a shape that’s too straight top-to-bottom, trim a bit more off the top branches.
When cutting shoots, never cut them all the way back to old wood.
Make another cut on top, 1 inch (2. 5 cm) further out from the trunk than the first cut. The branch may fall off before you finish this cut. You should cut until the limb comes off. Cut the stub off at the trunk. Saw from top to bottom just beyond the swollen ring of bark at the trunk.
Lopping shears are a good choice for this purpose, as they have long handles that give you leverage. However, if the branches are larger than 1 inch (2. 5 cm) in diameter, you can use a handsaw or a chainsaw instead. Another option is to make the cut at a healthy lateral branch instead of the trunk. A lateral branch is a main branch that grows off the trunk.
One common disease for this group of trees is needle blight, which results in yellowed or brown needle tips that progresses further down the foliage. They may also look dried out. On the branches, look for black fungal spots that may also curl out from the bark. [16] X Research source Make sure that you dispose of any diseased branches properly in your trash or curbside yard waste program. Then rake up the needles under the tree and dispose of these as well, as they may contain spores. This will prevent it from spreading. It’s also best to avoid pruning diseased branches while they’re wet because that’s when fungal spores are most active.
Damaged branches drain the tree’s resources and won’t provide new growth.
