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Globe arborvitae can be pruned to maintain their attractive shape, encourage healthy growth, and prevent them from becoming too large or unsightly.
Knowing how to prune globe arborvitae correctly will keep these evergreen shrubs looking their best year-round.
In this post, we’ll cover the essentials of how to prune globe arborvitae, including the best timing, tools to use, pruning techniques, and tips for ongoing care.
Let’s dive in and get you confidently pruning your globe arborvitae for a lush, tidy landscape.
Why Prune Globe Arborvitae?
Pruning globe arborvitae is important because it helps maintain their signature rounded shape and keeps the plants healthy and vibrant.
1. Encourages Dense, Healthy Growth
Pruning globe arborvitae encourages the plant to produce new shoots and fill in sparse areas.
Without regular pruning, these shrubs can become thin, leggy, or lose their bushy appearance, which takes away from their ornamental value.
2. Controls Size and Shape
Globe arborvitae have a natural rounded form, but they can outgrow their space if left untrimmed.
Knowing how to prune globe arborvitae allows you to keep them compact and perfectly shaped for your garden design.
3. Removes Dead or Damaged Foliage
Pruning helps remove brown, dead, or damaged branches, which can improve air circulation and reduce the risk of pests or diseases.
This also maintains the plant’s overall appearance and vigor.
4. Prevents Overcrowding
If your globe arborvitae are planted near other plants, pruning ensures they don’t encroach and compete for space or resources.
This keeps your garden looking tidy and balanced.
When is the Best Time to Prune Globe Arborvitae?
The best time to prune globe arborvitae is in late spring to early summer, just after the new growth appears.
1. Prune After New Growth Emerges
Because globe arborvitae grow from the tips, pruning just after fresh growth appears helps maintain a healthy, full shape.
Trimming too early in the spring can reduce the amount of new growth you enjoy later in the season.
2. Avoid Pruning in Late Fall or Winter
Pruning in cold weather can make your globe arborvitae more vulnerable to winter injury.
It’s best to avoid heavy pruning in late fall or winter when the plant isn’t actively growing.
3. Light Touch-Ups as Needed
If your arborvitae needs some minor shaping, it’s fine to do light pruning at other times of the year.
However, save the major pruning for late spring and early summer for best results.
How to Prune Globe Arborvitae: Tools and Techniques
Knowing how to prune globe arborvitae starts with having the right tools and understanding the proper cutting methods.
1. Use Sharp, Clean Pruning Shears
Sharp shears will make clean cuts that heal quickly.
Always sanitize your tools before pruning to prevent spreading diseases between plants.
2. Start by Removing Dead or Damaged Branches
Prune out any brown, dead, or broken branches first.
Cut these branches back to healthy green growth or all the way to the base to give your shrub a fresh start.
3. Trim the Outer Foliage to Maintain Shape
To keep the globe shape, trim the outer foliage evenly all around.
Make small cuts to avoid cutting into older wood, as arborvitae don’t grow back well from old branches.
Aim to maintain the rounded form by trimming the sides and top lightly.
4. Avoid Cutting Into Old Wood
One key to how to prune globe arborvitae successfully is to avoid cutting into brown, woody stems.
These sections typically won’t produce new growth, so pruning should focus on green, leafy parts.
5. Don’t Remove More Than One-Third of the Foliage
Removing too much can stress your globe arborvitae and hinder its health.
Stick to taking off no more than one-third of the foliage during any single pruning session.
Ongoing Care After Pruning Globe Arborvitae
Pruning globe arborvitae isn’t just a one-time job; how you care for them after pruning affects their recovery and appearance.
1. Water Regularly, Especially in Drier Months
After pruning, globe arborvitae benefit from consistent moisture.
Water deeply once or twice a week during dry spells to reduce stress.
2. Mulch to Retain Soil Moisture and Keep Roots Cool
Applying a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base helps retain moisture, reduces weeds, and regulates soil temperature.
Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
3. Fertilize in Early Spring or Late Fall
Using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer feeds the plant for steady growth.
Fertilizing supports recovery after pruning and encourages vibrant foliage.
4. Monitor for Pests and Diseases
Healthy pruning practices reduce risks but keep an eye out for common pests like spider mites or bagworms.
Treat infestations promptly to protect your globe arborvitae’s appearance and health.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Pruning Globe Arborvitae
Knowing how to prune globe arborvitae also means knowing what not to do.
1. Don’t Prune Too Late in the Season
Pruning late in the growing season can stimulate new growth that won’t harden off before winter, leading to damage.
2. Avoid Shearing into Old Wood
Shearing or cutting into old, woody parts can leave bare patches, which ruin the globe’s shape and don’t fill back in.
3. Don’t Ignore Dead Branches
Allowing dead or diseased branches to stay on the shrub can invite pests and diseases.
Remove these promptly when pruning.
4. Resist the Urge to Over-Prune
Over-pruning weakens the plant and reduces its ability to photosynthesize properly.
Take off only what’s necessary to maintain shape and health.
So, How to Prune Globe Arborvitae?
Pruning globe arborvitae is best done with sharp tools, in late spring after new growth begins, focusing on maintaining their rounded shape and removing dead or damaged branches.
By knowing how to prune globe arborvitae and avoiding cutting into old wood or over-pruning, you help the plant stay healthy and looking great.
Follow up with regular watering, mulch, and fertilization to support strong recovery and growth after pruning.
With these pruning tips, you’ll enjoy perfectly shaped, dense, and vibrant globe arborvitae that elevate your landscape year after year.
Start pruning your globe arborvitae this season and watch your shrubs thrive!