Can You Trim Arborvitae To Keep Them Small

Yes, you can trim arborvitae to keep them small.
 
But you need the right technique to avoid damaging the plant.
 
Many homeowners ask if trimming arborvitae is enough to control their size.
 
The answer is a confident yes, as long as you follow a few important rules.
 
In this post, we’ll cover how to trim arborvitae to keep them small, the best timing, and common pitfalls to avoid.
 
Let’s get started.
 

Why You Can Trim Arborvitae to Keep Them Small

Arborvitae are resilient evergreens that respond well to regular trimming.
 
Their dense foliage hides dormant buds that can push new growth when pruned correctly.
 
So yes, you can trim arborvitae to keep them small without hurting the plant.
 
Here’s what makes it possible:
 

1. Arborvitae Have Dormant Buds Beneath the Green

When you trim arborvitae to keep them small, you’re essentially cutting back the current season’s growth.
 
The plant then activates dormant buds closer to the trunk.
 
This encourages new shoots that fill in and keep the shrub compact.
 
Without these hidden buds, trimming arborvitae would just leave bare branches.
 

2. Regular Trimming Encourages Dense, Compact Growth

Frequent light pruning forces arborvitae to branch out rather than grow tall.
 
This is the most effective way to trim arborvitae to keep them small over the long term.
 
Each cut tells the plant to produce side shoots instead of extending upward.
 
Over time, you get a fuller, shorter shrub that stays within your desired size.
 

3. Arborvitae Tolerate Pruning Better Than Many Evergreens

Compared to pines or spruces, arborvitae are quite forgiving.
 
They won’t sulk for years after a trim.
 
That’s why you can trim arborvitae to keep them small without stressing the plant too much.
 
Still, you must avoid cutting into old, brown wood, as that area rarely regrows.
 

How to Trim Arborvitae to Keep Them Small the Right Way

Technique matters just as much as timing.
 
Here are the best practices for trimming arborvitae to keep them small:
 

1. Use Sharp, Clean Bypass Pruners

Dull blades tear the foliage and leave ragged cuts.
 
Always disinfect your tools between plants to prevent disease spread.
 
Sharp pruners make clean cuts that heal quickly.
 

2. Cut Only the Green Growth

Arborvitae have a zone of green needles on the outside and brown, woody interior.
 
When you trim arborvitae to keep them small, never cut into the brown area.
 
That interior wood rarely sprouts again.
 
Stick to the green tips for safe, effective size control.
 

3. Follow a Gradual, Yearly Approach

Don’t try to drastically reduce height in one season.
 
Trim back no more than one‑third of the current year’s growth per session.
 
This gradual method lets you trim arborvitae to keep them small without shocking the plant.
 

4. Shape from Top to Bottom

Start at the top and work your way down.
 
Make the top slightly narrower than the bottom.
 
This allows sunlight to reach lower branches, keeping the whole shrub full.
 

When to Trim Arborvitae for Best Results

Timing your trim is crucial for healthy regrowth.
 
Here’s when to trim arborvitae to keep them small:
 

1. Early Spring – The Best Time for Major Cuts

Prune in late March or early April before new growth starts.
 
At this point, the plant is still dormant but about to wake up.
 
Trimming in spring gives the arborvitae the whole growing season to recover.
 

2. Mid‑Summer – Light Touch‑Ups Only

You can do a second, lighter trim in July.
 
Just pinch back the longest shoots to maintain the shape.
 
Avoid heavy cutting during hot weather, as it stresses the shrub.
 

3. Avoid Pruning in Late Fall

Cutting too late encourages tender new growth that won’t harden before winter.
 
That new growth can easily be killed by frost.
 
Stick to spring and summer for trimming arborvitae to keep them small.
 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Trimming Arborvitae

Even with good intentions, it’s easy to make errors.
 
Steer clear of these pitfalls:
 

1. Shearing Too Aggressively

Electric hedge trimmers are convenient, but they can strip the outer foliage too far.
 
This exposes brown interior and ruins the look.
 
Hand pruners give you more control when you trim arborvitae to keep them small.
 

2. Cutting Into Old Wood

As mentioned, brown branches inside the shrub rarely regrow.
 
If you cut there, you’ll be left with bare spots that take years to fill.
 
Always keep your cuts within the green layer.
 

3. Pruning During Drought

Water stress makes recovery difficult.
 
Only trim arborvitae when the soil is moist and the plant is hydrated.
 
If you’re in a dry spell, water deeply a day before pruning.
 

So, Can You Trim Arborvitae to Keep Them Small?

Yes, you can trim arborvitae to keep them small when you use the right methods.
 
The key is to cut only the green growth, prune in spring or summer, and never remove more than one‑third of the new growth per session.
 
Arborvitae are forgiving plants, so even beginners can successfully trim arborvitae to keep them small.
 
Just avoid cutting into old wood and shearing too aggressively, and your shrub will stay compact and healthy for years.
 
Happy trimming.