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Cutting back arborvitae #778806

Asked December 07, 2021, 8:50 AM EST

I have several very large arborvitae in my front yard that are just too big. I want to know if I cut them all the way back to a stump, will the evergreen eventually grow back? These are probably 30 years old See photos Thank you Ed Wilson

Anne Arundel County Maryland

Expert Response

Hello Ed,

Unfortunately, no, most conifers (including Arborvitae) do not regrow from old wood. This means that the interior portion of branches or the trunks that are currently leafless will not regrow foliage and will remain permanently bare. Given a complete cut-back, little if anything would regrow. If these plants are too large for you, it would be more practical to just remove and replace the plants with a variety of evergreen that doesn't mature as large (if you want to replant).

Miri

Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied December 07, 2021, 9:38 AM EST
thank you for this very helpful advice!

Best wishes to you!

Ed

From: askextension=<personal data hidden> <askextension=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Tuesday, December 7, 2021 9:38 AM
To: edwardpwilson <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Cutting back arborvitae (#0048737)
 
The Question Asker Replied December 08, 2021, 1:22 PM EST

You are welcome.

Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied December 08, 2021, 1:29 PM EST

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