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Yes, you should cut the tops off arborvitae in some situations, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer.
Deciding whether to cut the tops off arborvitae depends on your goals for the tree and its current health.
If you’ve been wondering if you should cut the tops off arborvitae to control height, the answer is usually yes with caution.
But if you want to cut the tops off arborvitae for shape alone, you might risk damaging the plant’s natural form.
In this post, we’ll explore when it’s wise to cut the tops off arborvitae, when to avoid it, and how to do it safely.
Why You Should Consider Cutting The Tops Off Arborvitae
Cutting the tops off arborvitae can be beneficial when done for the right reasons.
Here are the main situations where you should consider cutting the tops off arborvitae:
1. Controlling Excessive Height
If your arborvitae has grown too tall for its space, cutting the tops off arborvitae is the most direct solution.
When trees reach utility lines or block second-story windows, you should cut the tops off arborvitae to avoid hazards.
A height reduction of one to two feet is usually safe for healthy trees.
Just remember that cutting the tops off arborvitae will stop upward growth on those branches.
2. Encouraging Denser Foliage
When you cut the tops off arborvitae, the tree responds by pushing out new side shoots near the cut.
This can make the plant look fuller and bushier over time.
If your arborvitae has become leggy, cutting the tops off arborvitae can help thicken the canopy.
But don’t expect new green growth to appear on bare wood — arborvitae rarely regrow from old branches.
3. Shaping Young Trees
For young arborvitae, cutting the tops off arborvitae can guide a more compact, uniform shape.
You can prune the leader to encourage a wider, more rounded top rather than a pointed spire.
This works best when you cut the tops off arborvitae during the first few years of growth.
After that, the tree’s form is harder to reshape.
When Cutting The Tops Off Arborvitae Is A Bad Idea
Not every situation calls for cutting the tops off arborvitae.
Knowing when to avoid it can save your tree from lasting damage.
Here’s when you should not cut the tops off arborvitae:
1. Severe Topping Damages the Structure
If you cut the tops off arborvitae too aggressively, the tree loses its natural leader.
Without a central leader, the tree may produce weak, multiple leaders that split under snow or wind.
This is why many experts advise against cutting the tops off arborvitae by more than a third of the total height.
2. Stress and Disease Risk
Cutting the tops off arborvitae creates large wounds that are slow to seal.
These open wounds can invite pests and fungal diseases.
If your tree is already stressed from drought or poor soil, cutting the tops off arborvitae can push it over the edge.
Only cut the tops off arborvitae when the tree is healthy and well-watered.
3. Loss of Natural Shape
Arborvitae have a naturally elegant pyramidal form.
When you cut the tops off arborvitae, you remove that pointed tip and create a flat, unnatural look.
Some gardeners dislike the stubby appearance that results from cutting the tops off arborvitae.
If you value aesthetics, consider selective thinning instead of topping.
How To Properly Cut The Tops Off Arborvitae
If you decide to cut the tops off arborvitae, doing it correctly protects the tree’s health.
Follow these steps for the best results when you cut the tops off arborvitae:
1. Choose the Right Time
The ideal time to cut the tops off arborvitae is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
Cutting the tops off arborvitae during dormancy minimizes sap loss and allows cuts to heal before summer.
Avoid cutting the tops off arborvitae in late summer or fall, as new growth may not harden off before frost.
2. Use Clean, Sharp Tools
Use sharp bypass pruners or loppers to cut the tops off arborvitae with a clean, smooth cut.
Dirty tools can spread disease, so sterilize them with rubbing alcohol before you cut the tops off arborvitae.
A clean cut heals faster and reduces stress on the tree.
3. Make a Slight Angled Cut
When you cut the tops off arborvitae, cut just above a lateral branch or a bud.
Angle the cut slightly so water runs off, preventing rot.
Do not leave a stub — always cut back to a living branch or to the main trunk line.
4. Don’t Remove Too Much at Once
Never cut the tops off arborvitae by more than 15–20% of the tree’s total height in one season.
If you need a major reduction, spread the work over two or three years.
Repeated light trims are safer than one heavy topping when you need to cut the tops off arborvitae.
So, Should You Cut The Tops Off Arborvitae?
You should cut the tops off arborvitae only when you have a specific need like height control or shaping young trees.
Cutting the tops off arborvitae can be done safely if you follow proper timing and technique.
But you should not cut the tops off arborvitae as a routine, unnecessary practice.
Always assess your tree’s health first, and never cut the tops off arborvitae too severely.
With careful pruning, you can enjoy a well-maintained arborvitae that fits your landscape perfectly.