How To Cut Back Overgrown Arborvitae

You can cut back overgrown arborvitae, and the process is definitely doable with the right timing and technique.
 
But cutting back overgrown arborvitae isn’t as simple as grabbing any tool and making random cuts.
 
Understanding how to cut back overgrown arborvitae without damaging the plant is critical for keeping it healthy and looking good.
 
If you cut into old, brown wood inside the branches, your arborvitae may never grow back in those spots.
 
That’s why learning how to cut back overgrown arborvitae properly can save you from creating bare patches that last for years.
 
In this post, we will explore exactly how to cut back overgrown arborvitae, the tools you need, and the best steps to follow.
 
Let’s dive into trimming your overgrown arborvitae so you get great results.
 

How To Cut Back Overgrown Arborvitae: The Right Approach

Knowing how to cut back overgrown arborvitae starts with understanding where new growth happens on these evergreens.
 
Arborvitae can only push new green growth from living needles on the outer surface of the branches.
 
If you cut back overgrown arborvitae all the way into the bare brown interior, those inner branches will stay naked forever.
 
That’s why the right technique for cutting back overgrown arborvitae focuses on working with the living green layer.
 

Why Cutting Back Overgrown Arborvitae Needs A Gentle Touch

When you cut back overgrown arborvitae, you are essentially reshaping a plant that has a limited ability to regenerate.
 
Arborvitae don’t sprout new growth from old wood like many deciduous shrubs do.
 
So cutting back overgrown arborvitae too aggressively can leave you with a plant that looks thin and patchy.
 
The key is to remove only the current season’s growth or at most reach just into last year’s wood.
 

When To Cut Back Overgrown Arborvitae For Best Results

Timing is everything when you cut back overgrown arborvitae.
 
The ideal window for cutting back overgrown arborvitae is late spring or early summer after the first flush of growth.
 
You can also cut back overgrown arborvitae lightly in late summer, but avoid doing any heavy pruning after August.
 
If you cut back overgrown arborvitae too late in the fall, new growth won’t harden off before winter and can get damaged.
 

Tools You Need To Cut Back Overgrown Arborvitae

Having the right tools makes cutting back overgrown arborvitae much easier and safer for the plant.
 
You don’t need a lot of fancy gear, but using dull tools when you cut back overgrown arborvitae can crush stems and invite disease.
 

Hand Pruners For Small Branches

Use sharp bypass pruners when you cut back overgrown arborvitae on branches that are less than half an inch thick.
 
Bypass pruners make clean cuts that heal quickly, which is important when you cut back overgrown arborvitae.
 

Hedge Shears For Light Shaping

Hedge shears work well when you cut back overgrown arborvitae for a formal, tidy shape.
 
Just remember that hedge shears can leave cut foliage visible, so use them carefully when you cut back overgrown arborvitae.
 

Pruning Saw For Thick Trunks

If you need to cut back overgrown arborvitae by removing entire large branches, a pruning saw is your best choice.
 
A pruning saw lets you cut back overgrown arborvitae cleanly without tearing the bark.
 

Step-By-Step Guide To Cut Back Overgrown Arborvitae

Follow these simple steps to cut back overgrown arborvitae safely and effectively.
 
Each step builds on the last, so don’t skip ahead when you cut back overgrown arborvitae.
 

Step 1: Assess The Mess Before You Cut Back Overgrown Arborvitae

Stand back and look at your arborvitae before you make any cuts.
 
Identify branches that are dead, diseased, or rubbing against each other.
 
Take note of how far you need to cut back overgrown arborvitae to restore a natural shape.
 
Avoid the temptation to cut back overgrown arborvitae into the brown center, as that will leave permanent gaps.
 

Step 2: Start By Removing Dead Or Damaged Wood

When you cut back overgrown arborvitae, always remove dead branches first.
 
Dead wood can be cut all the way back to the trunk since there’s no living growth to worry about there.
 
This cleanup step makes it easier to see what you are working with as you cut back overgrown arborvitae.
 

Step 3: Thin Out Crowded Areas

Selective thinning is a smart way to cut back overgrown arborvitae without ruining the shape.
 
Remove entire branches at their point of origin if they are crossing or growing inward.
 
This method of cutting back overgrown arborvitae improves airflow and light penetration.
 

Step 4: Shape The Exterior Layer

Now you can lightly shear the outer green layer to cut back overgrown arborvitae to your desired size.
 
Aim to remove no more than one-third of the total green growth when you cut back overgrown arborvitae.
 
Make your cuts slightly tapered so the bottom of the plant is wider than the top.
 
This taper allows sunlight to reach the lower branches after you cut back overgrown arborvitae.
 

Common Mistakes When You Cut Back Overgrown Arborvitae

Avoid these pitfalls so your efforts to cut back overgrown arborvitae don’t backfire.
 

Cutting Into The Dead Zone

The biggest mistake people make when they cut back overgrown arborvitae is cutting too far back.
 
Once you cut into the brown interior, those branches will never regrow green needles.
 
Always leave some green foliage attached when you cut back overgrown arborvitae.
 

Topping The Plant

Never just chop off the top when you cut back overgrown arborvitae.
 
Topping destroys the natural shape and can lead to weak, ugly regrowth at the cut site.
 
If you need to reduce height when you cut back overgrown arborvitae, do it gradually over several years.
 

Pruning In The Wrong Season

Cutting back overgrown arborvitae in late fall or winter stresses the plant.
 
Cold weather can damage the exposed cuts and new growth won’t have time to develop.
 
Stick to spring or early summer when you cut back overgrown arborvitae.
 

So, How Do You Cut Back Overgrown Arborvitae?

You can cut back overgrown arborvitae by focusing on the outer green layer and avoiding the brown interior.
 
Understanding how to cut back overgrown arborvitae means being patient and working with the plant’s natural growth habits.
 
When you cut back overgrown arborvitae, always use sharp tools and make clean cuts just above a branch junction.
 
If you follow the steps above, your arborvitae will recover well and look fuller and healthier.
 
Trust the process and take your time as you cut back overgrown arborvitae.
 
Your evergreens will thank you with beautiful, dense growth for years to come.