Can You Trim The Top Of Arborvitae Trees

Yes, you can trim the top of arborvitae trees, but it requires careful technique and timing.

And this Fiskars Tree Trimmer on Amazon can be a practical addition for you, so click the link to check it out.

Trimming the top of arborvitae trees is a common practice for controlling height or shaping the canopy.

However, unlike many other trees, arborvitae have specific growth habits that make top trimming risky if done wrong.

When you trim the top of arborvitae trees without understanding their biology, you may end up with brown, bare patches that never green up again.

In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about trimming the top of arborvitae trees safely.

Let’s dig into the do’s and don’ts of trimming arborvitae tops.

Why You Can Trim The Top Of Arborvitae Trees – But Must Be Careful

Trimming the top of arborvitae trees is possible because these evergreens can tolerate light pruning.
 
But the key reason you can trim the top of arborvitae trees is that new growth emerges from the tips of branches.
 
If you cut too deep into old wood where no green foliage remains, that section will not grow back.
 
Here are the main factors to consider when you trim the top of arborvitae trees.
 

1. Arborvitae Have a Single Leader Growth Habit

Arborvitae naturally grow with a central vertical stem called the leader.
 
When you trim the top of arborvitae trees, you are essentially cutting off that leader.
 
The tree will respond by pushing new growth from side branches, but the shape may become irregular.
 
That’s why trimming the top of arborvitae trees is best done only when absolutely needed.
 

2. Green Foliage Must Be Left Behind

Arborvitae only produce new buds on stems that still have live green scales.
 
If you trim the top of arborvitae trees back to bare brown wood, that section will stay bare.
 
So when you trim the top of arborvitae trees, always leave at least a few inches of green growth.
 
This ensures the tree can regenerate and stay full.
 

And this Fiskars Tree Trimmer on Amazon can be a practical addition for you, so click the link to check it out.

3. Trimming the Top of Arborvitae Trees Can Alter Their Natural Form

These trees have a beautiful pyramidal or columnar shape when left untrimmed.
 
When you trim the top of arborvitae trees, you risk making them look flat or unnatural.
 
Some gardeners accept this for hedges or formal screens, but for specimen trees it’s often avoided.
 

When To Trim The Top Of Arborvitae Trees

Timing matters a lot when you trim the top of arborvitae trees.
 
Prune at the wrong time and you may stress the tree or encourage disease.
 
Here’s when it’s safest to trim the top of arborvitae trees.
 

1. Late Spring to Early Summer

The best window to trim the top of arborvitae trees is in late spring or early summer.
 
This is after the first flush of new growth has hardened off slightly.
 
The tree has enough energy to recover and produce new side shoots.
 
Avoid trimming the top of arborvitae trees in late fall or winter when growth has stopped.
 

2. Avoid Hot, Dry Periods

Trimming the top of arborvitae trees during a drought or heat wave can cause extra stress.
 
If you must trim, do it early in the morning and water deeply afterward.
 
The cuts are open wounds, and dry conditions slow healing.
 

3. Only Trim When Necessary

You don’t need to regularly trim the top of arborvitae trees just for maintenance.
 
Only trim the top of arborvitae trees if they are outgrowing their space, threatening structures, or have damaged tops.
 
Otherwise, let them grow naturally to avoid unnecessary stress.
 

How To Properly Trim The Top Of Arborvitae Trees

If you decide to trim the top of arborvitae trees, use the right tools and technique.
 
Here’s a step-by-step approach to safely trimming the top of arborvitae trees.
 

1. Use Clean, Sharp Pruners or Loppers

Dull blades crush the stems and invite disease.
 
Before you trim the top of arborvitae trees, sterilize your tools with rubbing alcohol.
 
Make clean cuts just above a side branch or bud.
 

2. Cut Back to a Lateral Branch

When you trim the top of arborvitae trees, don’t just cut straight across the leader.
 
Instead, reduce the height by cutting back to a healthy side branch that is pointing upward.
 
This branch will become the new leader and keep the tree looking natural.
 

3. Remove No More Than One-Third of the Height

Aggressive top trimming can kill an arborvitae.
 
Only trim the top of arborvitae trees by removing the top one-third of the total height at most.
 
If you need to lower the tree more, do it over several years.
 

4. Shape Gently for a Natural Look

After you trim the top of arborvitae trees, taper the sides slightly so the top is narrower than the base.
 
This lets sunlight reach the lower branches and prevents bare bottoms.
 
A gentle cone shape mimics the tree’s natural form.
 

So, Can You Trim The Top Of Arborvitae Trees?

You can trim the top of arborvitae trees, but only with caution and proper technique.

And this Fiskars Tree Trimmer on Amazon can be a practical addition for you, so click the link to check it out.

Trimming the top of arborvitae trees is possible if you leave green foliage, avoid cutting into old wood, and time your pruning correctly.

The decision to trim the top of arborvitae trees should always balance your landscape goals with the tree’s health.

If you follow the tips above, you can successfully trim the top of arborvitae trees without ruining their shape.

Hope this guide helps you feel confident about trimming the top of arborvitae trees in your yard.