They make for excellentliving privacy screensand provide interest year-round.
Pruning arborvitae is fairly easy and minimal.
Plus, you’ll need to prune out any diseased, dead, or damaged branches.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
Winter snow and ice buildup especially can lead to branch damage.
Likewise, prune diseased branches as soon as possible to help contain the problem area.
Avoid pruning later in the summer and into fall, as it can encourage tender new growth.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
Cold weather can damage that growth and weaken the entire plant.
First, clean off any dirt and sap from the blades with a damp cloth.
you’ve got the option to scrub with mild dish soap as needed.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
Then, use a clean cloth to apply isopropyl alcohol to the blades to sanitize.
Let the blades air dry before use.
Use pruners or loppers (or a saw as needed) to trim your targeted branches.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
Avoid cutting back more than 20% of the shrub’s height.
And check that the base remains wider than the top, so the lower branches can still receive sunlight.
Don’t cut all the way back to old wood, as this will not regrow.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
So it can be a good idea to try this before any heavier pruning for shaping.
Cut Problem Branches
As they arise, prune offdead, damaged, or diseased branches.
Cut them back all the way to the trunk, as they won’t regrow.
Tips for Pruning Arborvitae
Does It Help a Damaged Shrub to Fertilize It?
Fertilizing is generally not recommended as a way to help damaged shrubs recover.
Allow yourdamaged arborvitae shrubsome time to heal after pruning any broken branches.
Wait until you see new growth (signifying a return to health) before fertilizing.
