How To Prune An Arborvitae Tree

You can prune an arborvitae tree successfully, but you need to know exactly where to cut before you ever pick up your shears.

 
Pruning an arborvitae tree isn’t like pruning a typical shrub, because these evergreen beauties have a unique growth habit that punishes heavy cutting.
 
When you prune an arborvitae tree the wrong way, you can end up with bare, brown branches that never recover.
 
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to prune an arborvitae tree correctly, when to do it, and which tools will make the job feel effortless.
 
You’ll also learn the biggest pruning mistakes to avoid so your arborvitae stays lush, green, and full for years to come.
 
Let’s dig into the details so you can prune your arborvitae with total confidence.
 

How to Prune an Arborvitae Tree the Right Way

The best way to prune an arborvitae tree is to work with its natural shape instead of fighting against it.
 
Arborvitae trees only produce new green growth from the tips of their branches, so you need to keep that in mind with every single cut you make.
 
If you cut back into the old, brown wood that has no green needles, that branch will stay bare forever.
 
This is why learning how to prune an arborvitae tree means always leaving a bit of green foliage on every branch you trim.
 
Start by removing any dead, diseased, or broken branches first, as these are the easiest cuts to make and they don’t require any precision.
 
Next, step back and look at the overall shape of your arborvitae to spot branches that are sticking out awkwardly.
 
You can trim those wayward branches back to a spot where they meet a healthy green side shoot.
 
When you prune an arborvitae tree to control its height, you should make your cuts at a slight angle just above a lateral branch.
 
The goal is to keep the natural pyramid or column shape that arborvitae trees are famous for.
 
Remember that you should never remove more than one-third of the tree’s total foliage in a single year.
 
Taking off too much at once will stress the tree and can lead to permanent bald spots that ruin its appearance.
 

1. Use Sharp, Clean Bypass Pruners for Small Branches

For smaller branches that are less than half an inch thick, a sharp pair of bypass pruners is your best friend.
 
Bypass pruners work like scissors, creating a clean cut that seals over quickly and reduces the chance of disease.
 
Make sure your blades are sharp, because a dull blade will crush the branch instead of slicing through it cleanly.
 
Clean cuts heal faster and keep your arborvitae looking its absolute best.
 
Wipe your pruners down with rubbing alcohol between trees if you’re pruning more than one arborvitae.
 
This simple habit helps prevent the spread of fungal pathogens from one tree to the next.
 

2. Reach for Loppers or a Pruning Saw for Thick Branches

When you prune an arborvitae tree and encounter branches that are thicker than a pencil, it’s time to upgrade your tool.
 
Loppers have long handles that give you extra leverage for cutting through wood that’s up to two inches thick.
 
For anything larger than that, a sharp pruning saw is the right choice to make a smooth, controlled cut.
 
Avoid using hedge shears on large branches, because they can tear the wood and create a ragged wound.
 
A ragged wound is an open invitation for pests and diseases to move in and harm your tree.
 
Take your time and make each cut count instead of hacking away at the branch recklessly.
 

3. Use Hedge Shears for Light Shaping

If you have a hedge-style arborvitae and just want to tidy up the outer edges, hedge shears are perfectly fine.
 
You can use them to prune an arborvitae tree that’s grown a bit wild and needs a light shearing session.
 
Keep the cuts light and only remove the tips of the branches to encourage denser growth near the outside of the tree.
 
Avoid cutting deep into the interior of the tree with hedge shears, as this will leave brown patches.
 
Remember that shearing creates a lot of cut tips that will all try to sprout new growth, giving your tree a fuller look.
 
Just don’t shear during the hottest part of summer, because the fresh new growth can burn in the intense sun.
 

When Is the Best Time to Prune an Arborvitae Tree?

The best time to prune an arborvitae tree is in late winter or early spring before the tree pushes out new growth.
 
This timing gives your tree a full growing season to recover and flush out fresh green growth.
 
You can also do some light corrective pruning in early summer, right after the first flush of new growth hardens off.
 
Avoid pruning in late summer or early fall, since this encourages new shoots that won’t have time to harden before frost.
 
Those tender new shoots can easily be killed by winter cold, leaving you with unsightly brown tips.
 
If you need to prune an arborvitae tree to remove dead branches, you can do that at any time of year.
 
Dead wood removal is always safe, but any major shaping should be reserved for the dormant season.
 
Arborvitae trees handle pruning best when they are actively growing or just about to start, so spring is your winning window.
 

Mistakes to Avoid When You Prune an Arborvitae Tree

The most common mistake people make is cutting back into old wood that has no green needles left on it.
 
That old wood will not produce new growth, so your arborvitae will be stuck with a permanent brown spot.
 
Another huge mistake is topping the tree, which means cutting off the top of the main leader to limit its height.
 
Topping creates an unnatural look and leads to weak, multiple leaders that can split apart in heavy snow or wind.
 
If you need to reduce the height, make one small cut at a time down to a lateral branch instead of topping.
 
Never strip the lower branches from an arborvitae to create a bare trunk, as this can stress the entire tree.
 
These trees rely on their foliage for energy production, so removing too much will starve them over time.
 
Also, don’t prune an arborvitae tree during very hot, dry weather because the tree might struggle to heal properly.
 
Finally, don’t use wound paint or pruning sealant on your cuts, as modern research shows these products do more harm than good.
 
The tree’s natural defenses are far better at protecting and healing the cut site than any synthetic dressing.
 

So, How to Prune an Arborvitae Tree?

To prune an arborvitae tree correctly, you should focus on light shaping in early spring with sharp, clean tools.
 
Always cut back to a healthy green branch or bud and never venture into the brown inner wood that won’t regrow.
 
Remove dead or damaged branches whenever you see them, but save the heavier shaping for late winter or spring.
 
Your arborvitae will reward you with dense, vibrant green foliage if you keep your cuts conservative and precise.
 
Now you have everything you need to prune your arborvitae tree with confidence and keep it looking gorgeous.
 
Happy pruning, and enjoy watching your arborvitae thrive!