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You can cut arborvitae trees by making precise cuts at the right time and using proper techniques to maintain their natural shape.
Cutting arborvitae trees isn’t complicated, but it requires a gentle touch because these evergreens don’t regrow from old wood.
If you’ve been wondering how to cut arborvitae trees without damaging them, the key is to only prune the green, living parts.
When you cut arborvitae trees, you’re essentially shaping them and removing dead or diseased branches to encourage healthy growth.
In this post, we’ll explore how to cut arborvitae trees the right way, the best tools to use, the ideal timing for cutting, and common mistakes to avoid.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about cutting arborvitae trees effectively.
How to Cut Arborvitae Trees – The Right Way
When you learn how to cut arborvitae trees, the first rule is to never cut into the brown, woody interior.
Arborvitae trees only produce new growth from the green foliage at the tips.
Cutting arborvitae trees back too far will leave you with bare patches that never fill in.
Here are the essential steps for cutting arborvitae trees correctly:
1. Identify Dead, Damaged, or Diseased Branches First
Before you start cutting arborvitae trees, inspect the entire tree for branches that are broken or discolored.
Dead branches will snap easily and have no green foliage left.
Cut these branches back to the nearest healthy fork or all the way to the trunk.
Removing deadwood is a safe part of cutting arborvitae trees because it improves airflow.
2. Make Clean Cuts Just Above a Leaf Node
When you cut arborvitae trees, always cut just above a point where a leaf or side branch meets the stem.
This encourages the tree to branch out from that spot and look fuller.
Avoid leaving stubs, as they die back and can invite disease.
Using sharp tools is crucial when cutting arborvitae trees to avoid tearing the bark.
3. Thin Out Crowded Branches for Light and Air
As you cut arborvitae trees, step back and look for branches that cross or rub against each other.
Thinning these out is an important part of cutting arborvitae trees to prevent damage.
Remove up to one-third of the foliage in a single session to avoid stressing the tree.
This method of cutting arborvitae trees also lets sunlight reach the interior.
4. Shape the Tree Gently, Not Aggressively
Shaping is where most people go wrong when cutting arborvitae trees.
Prune only the tips of the branches to create the desired form.
Cutting arborvitae trees into a cone or pyramid shape should be done gradually over several years.
Remember that aggressive cutting arborvitae trees can ruin their natural beauty.
Best Time to Cut Arborvitae Trees
Timing matters a lot when you plan how to cut arborvitae trees.
Cutting arborvitae trees at the wrong time can leave them vulnerable to pests or frost damage.
Here’s when to schedule your cutting arborvitae trees sessions:
1. Late Winter to Early Spring
The ideal time for cutting arborvitae trees is in late winter or very early spring before new growth starts.
Cutting arborvitae trees during dormancy means less sap loss and lower stress on the tree.
This window allows you to see the structure clearly without leaves blocking your view.
Just avoid cutting arborvitae trees when temperatures are below freezing.
2. Light Pruning in Early Summer
If you need to do light shaping, you can also cut arborvitae trees in early to midsummer.
Cutting arborvitae trees at this time helps control growth and keeps them neat.
Make sure you stop cutting arborvitae trees by late summer so new growth can harden off before winter.
3. Avoid Cutting Arborvitae Trees in Fall
Cutting arborvitae trees in autumn is risky because fresh cuts are slow to heal.
The tender new shoots from cutting arborvitae trees in fall may not survive cold weather.
Stick to the spring and summer schedule for the best results when cutting arborvitae trees.
Tools You Need for Cutting Arborvitae Trees
Having the right gear makes cutting arborvitae trees easier and safer for both you and the plant.
Using dull or wrong tools when cutting arborvitae trees can cause ragged cuts and disease.
Here’s what to use for cutting arborvitae trees:
1. Bypass Pruners for Small Branches
For branches up to about ½ inch thick, use sharp bypass pruners.
These make clean cuts that heal quickly when cutting arborvitae trees.
Anvil pruners can crush the stems, so stick with bypass style for cutting arborvitae trees.
2. Loppers for Medium Branches
When cutting arborvitae trees branches up to 1½ inches thick, loppers give you extra leverage.
Long-handled loppers also help you reach deeper into the tree when cutting arborvitae trees.
Keep the blades clean and sharp for effortless cutting arborvitae trees.
3. Pruning Saw or Hedge Shears for Large Jobs
For major reshaping or cutting arborvitae trees as a hedge, a pruning saw or hedge shears works best.
Use a saw on thick, woody branches when cutting arborvitae trees back hard.
Hedge shears are great for trimming the outer foliage when cutting arborvitae trees to a uniform shape.
4. Safety Gear
Always wear gloves and eye protection when cutting arborvitae trees.
Sawdust and small debris can fly into your eyes while cutting arborvitae trees.
Gloves protect your hands from sap and sharp twigs during cutting arborvitae trees.
Common Mistakes When Cutting Arborvitae Trees
Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing how to cut arborvitae trees.
Here are pitfalls to avoid when cutting arborvitae trees:
1. Cutting Into Brown Wood
The biggest error in cutting arborvitae trees is pruning back into the brown, bark-covered interior.
Once you cut arborvitae trees past the green foliage, that spot stays bare forever.
Always stay within the green when cutting arborvitae trees.
2. Over-Pruning in One Session
Removing more than one-third of the foliage when cutting arborvitae trees shocks the plant.
Spread out your cutting arborvitae trees over several years if you need heavy reduction.
Conservative cutting arborvitae trees is always safer for the tree’s health.
3. Using Dirty or Dull Tools
Dirty tools spread disease when cutting arborvitae trees.
Dull tools tear the bark when cutting arborvitae trees, leaving open wounds.
Clean your tools with rubbing alcohol before and after cutting arborvitae trees.
4. Topping the Tree
Topping arborvitae trees—cutting off the top leader—ruins their natural shape.
When you top while cutting arborvitae trees, you encourage weak, bushy growth.
Never remove the central leader when cutting arborvitae trees.
So, How to Cut Arborvitae Trees?
You can cut arborvitae trees by following a few key steps that ensure healthy growth and maintain their natural shape.
Cutting arborvitae trees starts with using sharp tools, cutting only green growth, and pruning at the right time of year.
Remember to avoid cutting arborvitae trees into brown wood, and never remove more than one-third of the foliage at once.
With these techniques for cutting arborvitae trees, your evergreens will stay lush and beautiful for years to come.
Happy pruning, and enjoy your perfectly shaped arborvitae trees.