How To Stop Arborvitae From Growing Taller

To stop arborvitae from growing taller, you need a combination of careful pruning and proper maintenance techniques.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to stop arborvitae from growing taller without harming the tree, you’re not alone.
 
Many homeowners want to control the height of their arborvitae to keep them neat, fit a specific landscape design, or prevent them from blocking windows or views.
 
In this post, we’ll cover exactly how to stop arborvitae from growing taller, the best tools and timing for the job, and what mistakes to avoid.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

How to Stop Arborvitae From Growing Taller: The Core Methods

Stopping arborvitae from growing taller isn’t as simple as lopping off the top.
 
You need to understand the tree’s growth habits first.
 
Arborvitae have a central leader that drives upward growth, so to stop arborvitae from growing taller, you must address this leader.
 
Here are the main ways to do it:
 

1. Prune the Central Leader

The central leader is the main vertical stem at the very top.
 
If you cut this leader back to a lateral branch, you can effectively stop arborvitae from growing taller.
 
Make your cut just above a healthy side branch that’s at least one-third the diameter of the leader.
 
This redirects upward energy outward and slows height gain significantly.
 

2. Trim the Top Growth Annually

Once you’ve reduced the leader, you need to maintain the new height by trimming the top each year.
 
To stop arborvitae from growing taller long-term, prune the uppermost branches back to a lateral bud or branch during early spring.
 
Don’t cut into old wood that has no green needles because arborvitae don’t regrow from bare wood.
 

3. Use Selective Hand Pruning, Not Shearing

Shearing the top with hedge trimmers can leave stubs and create a weak, open canopy.
 
Instead, use hand pruners to cut individual branches back to a lateral fork or bud.
 
This method allows you to stop arborvitae from growing taller while keeping the plant full and healthy.
 

Best Timing to Stop Arborvitae From Growing Taller

Timing matters a lot when you want to stop arborvitae from growing taller.
 
Prune at the wrong time, and you could stress the tree or invite disease.
 
Here’s when to act:
 

1. Early Spring Before New Growth

Prune in late winter or very early spring before the tree breaks dormancy.
 
At this time, the tree is still dormant, so the cuts heal quickly once growth starts.
 
This is the ideal window to stop arborvitae from growing taller because you’re removing the leader before it sends up a new surge of vertical growth.
 

2. Light Trimming in Late Spring or Early Summer

If you need to touch up after the initial cut, you can do light trimming in late spring.
 
But avoid heavy pruning after midsummer because new growth won’t harden off before winter.
 
To stop arborvitae from growing taller safely, stick to the early spring window for major cuts.
 

Common Mistakes When Trying to Stop Arborvitae From Growing Taller

Many gardeners accidentally ruin their arborvitae while trying to control height.
 
Avoid these errors:
 

1. Topping the Tree

Cutting straight across the top removes the leader but also creates ugly stubs.
 
Topping can lead to multiple weak leaders sprouting from the cut, making the tree look messy and increasing future height issues.
 
To properly stop arborvitae from growing taller, you must cut to a lateral branch, not just hack off the top.
 

2. Pruning Into Bare Wood

Arborvitae have a dead zone inside the canopy where no needles grow.
 
If you cut back into that bare wood, the branch won’t produce new foliage.
 
That means you’ll have a permanent bare spot.
 
Always stop arborvitae from growing taller by cutting only into green, living needles.
 

3. Ignoring the Natural Shape

Arborvitae naturally grow in a cone or pyramid shape.
 
If you try to force them into a flat top, the lower branches may get too much sun and decline.
 
Work with the tree’s form to stop arborvitae from growing taller while keeping it looking natural.
 

Alternative Methods to Stop Arborvitae From Growing Taller

Besides pruning, there are other tricks to limit upward growth:
 

1. Root Pruning

Root pruning can slow overall growth, including height.
 
Cut a circle around the root zone with a sharp spade about 18–24 inches from the trunk.
 
This reduces the tree’s ability to take up water and nutrients, which can help stop arborvitae from growing taller.
 
But do this sparingly because too much root pruning can stress the tree.
 

2. Plant a Dwarf Variety

If you’re starting fresh, choose a dwarf cultivar like ‘Emerald Green’ or ‘Hetz Midget’.
 
These naturally stay shorter and wider, so you don’t need to worry about them growing tall.
 
For existing trees, the only way to stop arborvitae from growing taller is through the pruning and root management methods above.
 

So, How Do You Stop Arborvitae From Growing Taller?

To stop arborvitae from growing taller, you need to prune the central leader back to a lateral branch and maintain that height with annual trimming.
 
Timing is key—early spring is best.
 
Avoid topping or cutting into bare wood, and consider root pruning for extra control.
 
With these techniques, you can keep your arborvitae at a manageable height for years.
 
I hope this guide helps you confidently take control of your arborvitae’s height.