This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Trimming back an arborvitae is a simple task that keeps your tree healthy, dense, and looking its best.
If you’ve been wondering how to trim back an arborvitae without damaging it, the key is to use sharp tools and follow a few basic rules.
Arborvitae are forgiving evergreens, but they don’t sprout new growth from old, bare wood, so knowing how to trim back an arborvitae correctly matters.
In this post we’ll cover the right methods, the best timing, and common pitfalls when you trim back an arborvitae.
Let’s get those pruners ready.
How to Trim Back an Arborvitae the Right Way
How to trim back an arborvitae starts with understanding its growth habits.
Arborvitae only produce new buds on green stems, so when you trim back an arborvitae you need to leave some green foliage behind.
Here’s how to do it step by step.
1. Use Sharp, Clean Tools
Before you trim back an arborvitae, make sure your pruning shears or hedge trimmers are clean and sharp.
Dull tools crush stems and invite disease, which defeats the purpose of trimming back an arborvitae.
Wipe blades with rubbing alcohol between plants to avoid spreading pests.
2. Cut Just Above a Leaf Node
When you trim back an arborvitae, always cut just above a leafy side branch or a visible node.
This encourages the tree to bush out from that point instead of leaving a stub.
Never cut into the brown, woody interior because that area won’t regrow.
3. Follow the Natural Shape
How to trim back an arborvitae also means respecting its natural pyramid or column form.
Make your cuts slightly narrower at the top than at the bottom so sunlight reaches the lower branches.
If you trim back an arborvitae too aggressively on top, the lower foliage can thin out and look leggy.
4. Remove Dead or Damaged Branches First
Before you shape the tree, trim back an arborvitae by cutting out any dead, broken, or diseased branches at the base.
This improves air circulation and reduces the chance of fungal problems.
Only then should you move on to trimming for size or shape.
When Is the Best Time to Trim Back an Arborvitae?
Timing matters a lot when you plan how to trim back an arborvitae.
Prune at the wrong time and you might stress the tree or stunt new growth.
Early Spring – The Ideal Window
The best time to trim back an arborvitae is in early spring, just before new growth begins.
At this point the tree is still dormant, so cuts heal quickly when sap starts flowing.
You’ll see fresh green tips emerge within weeks after you trim back an arborvitae.
Late Summer – A Second Chance
You can also trim back an arborvitae lightly in late summer, after the main growth flush is over.
This allows the tree to heal before winter dormancy.
But avoid trimming after September in colder zones because new growth might not harden off before frost.
Never Trim in Late Fall or Winter
How to trim back an arborvitae also means knowing when not to do it.
Late fall pruning encourages tender new shoots that can be killed by freezing temperatures.
Winter pruning, when branches are brittle, can cause tearing and damage the bark.
Common Mistakes When You Trim Back an Arborvitae
Even experienced gardeners can slip up when they trim back an arborvitae.
Avoid these errors to keep your tree thriving.
Cutting Into Old Wood
The biggest mistake when you trim back an arborvitae is cutting into the brown, leafless interior.
That wood rarely produces new growth, leaving you with a bald spot forever.
Always leave at least an inch of green foliage on each branch.
Over-Trimming at Once
If you trim back an arborvitae too heavily, it can go into shock and struggle to recover.
Never remove more than one-third of the living foliage in a single year.
Gradual, annual trims are safer and produce a fuller shape.
Using Wrong Tools
How to trim back an arborvitae also involves choosing the right tool for the job.
Hedge shears work well for formal hedges, but hand pruners are better for detailed shaping.
Power trimmers can tear branches if you’re not careful, so keep blades sharp.
So, How to Trim Back an Arborvitae?
Trimming back an arborvitae is a simple task that keeps your tree healthy, dense, and looking its best.
Use sharp tools, cut just above leafy nodes, and prune in early spring or late summer.
Avoid cutting into old wood, never overdo it, and always respect the natural shape.
Follow these steps and you’ll know exactly how to trim back an arborvitae with confidence.
Happy pruning.