How To Prune Globe Arborvitae

You prune globe arborvitae by making careful, light cuts that maintain its natural round shape.

The process is simpler than you might think, and doing it right keeps your shrub looking full and healthy for years.

Many gardeners worry about pruning these evergreens because they’ve heard horror stories about brown patches or damaged growth.

But the truth is, with the right timing and technique, pruning globe arborvitae is an easy task that rewards you with a tidy, vibrant plant.

In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly how to prune globe arborvitae, when to do it, and the mistakes to avoid along the way.

Let’s dig in.

Why Pruning Globe Arborvitae Matters

Learning how to prune globe arborvitae isn’t just about keeping things neat, it’s about plant health.

When you prune globe arborvitae correctly, you encourage dense inner growth that stays green and lush.

Without regular pruning, these shrubs can become leggy and sparse in the center.

They also tend to outgrow their intended space, especially if planted near walkways or foundations.

By staying on top of pruning globe arborvitae, you control the size and shape while promoting airflow.

Good airflow reduces the risk of fungal diseases that love damp, crowded branches.

Plus, a well-pruned globe arborvitae looks fantastic as a focal point or a low hedge.

So yes, this simple task has a big payoff.

1. Understanding How Globe Arborvitae Grows

Before you start pruning globe arborvitae, you need to know how this plant grows.

Globe arborvitae, also known as Thuja occidentalis ‘Globosa’, has a dense, rounded habit.

It grows slowly, adding just a few inches of new growth each year.

The important thing to remember is that old wood doesn’t regrow.

If you cut back into the brown, leafless interior, you’ll be left with a permanent bare spot.

So when you prune globe arborvitae, always cut only the green, current-season growth.

This keeps the plant looking full and prevents unsightly holes.

Now that you understand the growth pattern, let’s talk about timing.

2. The Best Time to Prune Globe Arborvitae

Timing your pruning globe arborvitae is crucial for the plant’s health.

The ideal window is in late spring, after the first flush of new growth has hardened off.

This is usually around May or early June, depending on your climate.

Pruning at this time encourages the shrub to push out additional growth over the summer.

You can also do a light trimming in early summer to shape the plant.

Avoid pruning in late summer or fall because new growth won’t have time to harden before frost.

That tender new growth can be damaged by cold, leaving you with brown tips come spring.

So for the best results, stick to late spring for your main pruning globe arborvitae session.

3. Tools You’ll Need

Having the right tools makes pruning globe arborvitae a breeze.

For most shrubs, a sharp pair of hand pruners is all you need.

If your globe arborvitae is large or you’re doing serious shaping, hedge shears work well too.

Make sure your tools are clean and sharp to make smooth cuts that heal fast.

Blunt blades crush the stems, which can invite pests and diseases.

Before you start pruning globe arborvitae, wipe your blades with rubbing alcohol to sanitize them.

This prevents spreading any potential diseases between plants.

With your tools ready, it’s time to get to work.

Step-by-Step: How to Prune Globe Arborvitae

Ready to learn the exact method?

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to pruning globe arborvitae like a pro.

Step 1: Assess the Shrub

First, take a good look at your globe arborvitae from all angles.

Notice any branches that are dead, damaged, or diseased.

These should be your first cuts, as they improve overall plant health.

Also, look for branches that are sticking out awkwardly and ruining the round shape.

Make a mental note of these areas so you don’t miss them.

Step 2: Start With Dead and Damaged Wood

Begin pruning globe arborvitae by removing any dead or broken branches.

Cut these back to the main stem or to healthy green growth.

This step is essential, so don’t skip it.

Dead wood is a magnet for pests and diseases.

Removing it also opens up the canopy, letting sunlight and air reach the inner foliage.

Step 3: Shape the Outer Foliage

Now, focus on the overall shape.

When you prune globe arborvitae for shape, you want to maintain that natural, rounded form.

Use your hand pruners or shears to trim the tips of the branches.

Cut just above a healthy set of green leaves, angling your cuts slightly.

Avoid cutting below the green foliage into the brown, woody interior.

Work your way around the shrub, trimming small amounts at a time.

Remember, it’s easier to take off a little more later than to fix a big mistake.

Step 4: Step Back and Check

As you go, step back frequently to check your progress.

It’s easy to get carried away and create an uneven shape.

Look at the shrub from different angles to ensure symmetry.

If you notice one side is fuller, trim a bit more on that side.

Taking breaks to view your work helps you stay on track.

This is one of the most important tips for pruning globe arborvitae successfully.

Step 5: Clean Up and Mulch

After you’ve finished pruning globe arborvitae, clean up the cuttings.

Removing the debris keeps your garden tidy and prevents pests from hiding.

You can rake up the clippings and add them to your compost pile.

Then, apply a fresh layer of mulch around the base of the shrub.

Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the roots cool.

Your shrub will thank you with vigorous new growth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with good intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes when pruning globe arborvitae.

Here are the most common pitfalls to steer clear of.

1. Cutting Into Old Wood

This is the number one mistake, and it’s a big one.

When you cut into the brown, old wood, those branches won’t grow back.

You’ll be left with permanent bare patches that ruin the shrub’s appearance.

Always prune globe arborvitae so you’re cutting only the green, leafy growth.

If you need to reduce the size, do it gradually over a few seasons.

2. Pruning at the Wrong Time

Pruning in late summer or fall can lead to winter damage.

The new growth that follows late pruning is tender and vulnerable.

Cold weather can kill it, leaving you with brown, crispy tips.

Stick to late spring and early summer for your main pruning globe arborvitae work.

3. Over-Pruning

It’s tempting to go all out and give your shrub a severe haircut.

But over-pruning stresses the plant and makes it look scraggly.

A light touch is always better.

You can always prune again if needed, but you can’t regrow what you’ve cut.

So when in doubt, less is more.

4. Using Dull or Dirty Tools

Dull tools crush stems instead of making clean cuts.

Dirty tools can spread diseases from one plant to another.

Keeping your tools clean and sharp is a simple way to ensure healthy results.

So, How Do You Prune Globe Arborvitae Correctly?

You prune globe arborvitae correctly by making light, careful cuts to the green outer growth in late spring.

This simple approach preserves the dense, natural round shape while keeping the plant healthy.

By avoiding the old wood and sticking to the right timing, you’ll have a gorgeous shrub year after year.

We hope this guide on how to prune globe arborvitae has given you the confidence to tackle the job.

Remember, it’s a forgiving task as long as you follow these basic rules.

Now go grab your pruners and give your globe arborvitae the attention it deserves.