Knowledgebase

Pruning arborvitae #435316

Asked November 26, 2017, 12:24 PM EST

Can I prune my 7’ arborvitae now?

Ramsey County Minnesota

Expert Response

Arborvitae grow continuously throughout the growing season. They can be pruned from late winter through the middle of summer. Even though these plants will tolerate heavy shearing, their natural form is usually most desirable, so prune only to correct growth defects.  They will not form new buds on old wood so if you cut it back to the brown, aged stems, it will not grow back.

There is a brief video available featuring Bert Cregg, MSU, Departments of Horticulture and Forestry, showing how to prune evergreens that will not re grow from the old wood. While the video is informative, The publication and advertisements are not endorsed by MSU. http://www.finegardening.com/video-pruning-arborvitae-junipers-and-chamaecyparis

I hope this helps.


Pat M MN master gardener and TCA Replied November 26, 2017, 1:51 PM EST

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