How to Prune a Cedar Tree
Cedar trees must be pruned with care and a certain amount of restraint. Cedar tress produce new growth only from last year's growth, so if too much is trimmed it is possible to prevent any new growth and kill the tree. Cedar trees should be pruned only prior to the summer months. Once the buds for new growth have appeared, usually in mid July, cedars cannot be pruned without the risk of preventing next year's new growth and killing the tree. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Cut out all dead or diseased wood, cutting as far back as possible. Wear eye protection and gloves when trimming.
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Identify new growth (green) and old growth (brown). Use shears or saw to cut only as much of the green growth as necessary to shape the tree. At least 1 inch of green growth must be left on EVERY branch that is cut. If all green growth is trimmed out, that branch will likely die.
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Cut away branches growing straight down and branches growing sideways through the crown of the tree. This will open the crown to light and additional air circulation.
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Cut no more than 1/4 of the tree's height when topping a cedar. After removing no more than 1/4 of the trunk, carefully trim branches, being careful to leave at least one inch of green growth on the end of each remaining branch.
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Tips & Warnings
After topping, expect your cedar to look ungainly for several years as it slowly fills in and regains a new and more pleasant shape.
Never prune a cedar tree after the buds for next year's growth have appeared (mid to late summer).
