Can Arborvitae Be Topped Off

Arborvitae can be topped off, but it’s rarely the right move for a healthy, long-lived tree.
 
If you’ve been wondering whether you can just cut the top off your arborvitae to control its height, the short answer is yes—you physically can.
 
But arborvitae topped off in this way often ends up looking bare, stressed, and prone to disease.
 
In this post, we’ll explore why topping off arborvitae is risky, when it might be acceptable, and what you should do instead.
 
Let’s dig into the truth about topping off arborvitae so you can make the best choice for your landscape.
 

Can Arborvitae Be Topped Off? Here’s What Happens

When you top off arborvitae, you remove the main growing tip and a large portion of the upper foliage.
 
This practice shocks the tree because arborvitae don’t regrow from old wood the way many deciduous trees do.
 
Arborvitae topped off may push out some new growth from the sides, but it will rarely develop a full, natural crown again.
 
The result is often a stubby, disfigured tree with brown stubs that never green back up.
 
That’s why most arborists strongly advise against topping off arborvitae.
 

1. Arborvitae Have a Unique Growth Pattern

Arborvitae grow from the tips of their branches, and their needles only form on live wood.
 
When you cut into the thick, inner part of a branch, that area has no dormant buds.
 
So when you top off arborvitae, you leave bare wood that cannot produce new foliage.
 
That brown, leafless section will stay bare forever unless the side branches eventually cover it.
 
This is the main reason topping off arborvitae ruins their appearance.
 

2. Stress and Disease Risk Increase

A large cut on an arborvitae trunk or main leader opens the tree up to pests and fungal infections.
 
Arborvitae topped off during wet seasons are especially vulnerable to rot and tip blight.
 
The tree also loses a huge portion of its food-producing foliage, which weakens it overall.
 
A stressed arborvitae is more likely to suffer from bagworms, spider mites, or winter burn.
 

3. The “Stick” Look Is Hard to Fix

Even if the side branches survive, arborvitae topped off will always look unnatural.
 
The remaining top will be a thick, ugly stump with thin growth sprouting below it.
 
You can’t really hide the damage once you’ve cut the top off arborvitae.
 
That’s why most experts say to never top off arborvitae unless you’re removing a dead or diseased leader.
 

When Can Topping Off Arborvitae Be Justified?

Although topping off arborvitae is generally a bad idea, there are a few rare situations where it might be necessary.
 
Before you decide to top off arborvitae, consider these exceptions carefully.
 

1. Storm Damage or Split Leaders

If a storm snaps the top of your arborvitae, you have little choice but to clean up the break.
 
In that case, topping off arborvitae to just below the damage can prevent further tearing.
 
The tree may recover with a new leader if you cut back to a strong side branch.
 

2. Severe Disease in the Upper Canopy

When a fungal infection like Kabatina tip blight has killed the top, you may need to prune it out.
 
Topping off arborvitae in that scenario removes the source of infection and saves the rest of the tree.
 
Just be sure to sterilize your tools and make clean cuts.
 

3. Overgrown Trees Next to Structures

If your arborvitae is brushing against the roof or power lines, topping off arborvitae might seem like a quick fix.
 
But even then, you’re better off thinning the sides or even replacing the tree with a smaller variety.
 
Topping off arborvitae for clearance usually creates a maintenance nightmare later.
 

Better Alternatives to Topping Off Arborvitae

Instead of cutting the top off arborvitae, try these gentler methods that preserve the tree’s natural shape.
 
Keep in mind that arborvitae are not meant to be heavily pruned once they’re mature.
 

1. Selective Thinning of Side Branches

If your arborvitae is too tall, don’t top it; instead, remove a few lower side branches to give it a lighter look.
 
Thinning the interior allows light and air to reach the center without ruining the top.
 
This method keeps your arborvitae looking full and natural.
 

2. Shearing the Green Tips (Not the Wood)

You can trim the soft, green growth at the very tips of the branches to control size.
 
This is called tipping, and it’s much safer than topping off arborvitae.
 
Just never cut back into the brown, woody part of the branch.
 

3. Choose the Right Arborvitae From the Start

Before you even plant, look for compact or dwarf varieties that stay small naturally.
 
If you top off arborvitae because it outgrew its space, you chose the wrong cultivar.
 
Emerald Green, Techny, and smaller species like ‘Little Giant’ rarely need topping at all.
 

So, Can Arborvitae Be Topped Off?

Arborvitae can be topped off physically, but doing so almost always leads to a damaged, unattractive tree.
 
If you’ve been asking if you can top off arborvitae to reduce height, the real answer is that you should avoid it.
 
The risks of disease, permanent bare spots, and overall decline make topping off arborvitae a last-resort option.
 
Instead, use selective trimming, choose smaller varieties, or consult a certified arborist for professional advice.
 
Hopefully this post helps you understand why topping off arborvitae is rarely the answer and what you can do to keep your tree healthy.