When I moved to the Lakes Area of Oakland Count in Southeast Michigan almost twenty-five years ago from the Plymouth-Canton area which is much closer to downtown Detroit and has more of a city feel versus an “up north” feel, I did not realize what that would entail.
For instance, since moving to this area, I have seen bugs that I never saw in Canton. Probably because we have more trees, lakes, and rivers surrounding us thus more bugs. What I love most are the trees and the waterways, so it’s a yin-yang situation I have going on.
Yes, I am that tree-hugger! And quite literally, I married a landscape contractor whose main job is to maintain and beautify the outdoors of people’s homes. However, after we divorced, I no longer have a ready-made landscaper on hand so I either have to do projects on my own or hire the ex’s company, which I do not mind as he is really good at his job but we’re divorced and it can be awkward.
Right now, my dilemma is when and how to trim my gorgeous wall of arborvitaes. After a brutal winter with wet, heavy snow, as well as a few ice storms, the arborvitaes took a beating and some are hanging down which need to be tied up or trimmed. I have decided I would like to trim them in an effort to make them more robust and heartier to handle this next winter for whatever it brings.
According to experts at The Spruce, when trimming arborvitae, “Only begin pruning once your shrub is at least two years old, so you don’t impede its growth.
You’ll potentially want to prune to maintain your shrub’s neat shape, as well as to keep it at your desired height and width. Plus, you’ll need to prune out any diseased, dead, or damaged branches. Winter snow and ice buildup especially can lead to branch damage.
When to Prune Arborvitae
Prune any damaged or dead branches as they arise to prevent them from breaking off and dropping on their own. Likewise, prune diseased branches as soon as possible to help contain the problem area.
Otherwise, pruning for shaping is best in the early spring, though you also can do some light trimming from spring to mid-summer. Avoid pruning later in the summer and into fall, as it can encourage tender new growth. Cold weather can damage that growth and weaken the entire plant,”.
Okay, as long as I have a ladder and both of my sons’ assistance, I think I can handle this job with hedge trimmers and maybe a chainsaw if needed. I will attempt this only because I was married to a landscaper for so long and our sons were raised with this knowledge as well.
*Note: All content within this article is meant for informational purposes only and is in no way a replacement for professional advice or support. Seek immediate and appropriate care from a professional contractor when necessary.
How do you prune an overgrown arborvitae?
I understand when to trim the arborvitaes, now I need to know how. The Gardening Theme suggests, “Start trimming from the bottom edge of the hedge, as there are usually fewer new growths at the bottom, and use the bottom to determine the upward angle of the hedge (see principle above). Ideally, trim the plants from more than one direction (bottom-up, side-to-side and top-down). This will ensure a full, healthy and dense hedge appearance without long shoots.
• Avoid trimming too far. To achieve the classic green brush effect (no protruding branches, but no areas without green needles), never cut arborvitae to the brown parts without needles, as they will never turn green again. This is another reason to start pruning your hedges while they are still young, because if you let them grow without maintenance, it is almost impossible to prune them later without creating bare spots.
• The upper part of the arborvitae hedge always grows faster, so it is natural to prune more of it than the lower part. This ensures that more nutrients, water and light will reach the lower parts of the plants.
• The top part of the arborvitae hedge should be trimmed last (after the sides have been trimmed). To create an even arborvitae hedge with the same height, you can use a long stick marked at the desired height, and by placing it against the hedge from the ground, this tool will determine the desired height of the hedge,”.
When should river birch trees be pruned?
My other trees of concern are the two river birch trees. One is located near the back of the yard in between the arborvitae wall and the second one is closest to my deck providing both necessary shade and privacy. However, the branches hang too low and need to be trimmed constantly but I am not sure if I should be trimming throughout the spring and summer. Let’s see what the experts have to say.
Gardening Know How suggests the following why and how of it, “There are several reasons for cutting back birch trees:
- Remove dead, diseased, and injured branches for the health of the tree.
- Branches that rub together offer entry points for insects and disease, so remove one of them.
- Branches that grow nearly straight up have weak attachments to the trunk. Take them down while they are small to prevent them from breaking off later on.
- Remove a branch that is too close to another branch. This is best done when the tree is young.
- Remove branches that are too close to the ground to make landscaping easier and allow comfortable use of the shade.
- You can remove any branch that detracts from the overall appearance of the tree.
When to Prune Birch Trees
Most landscapers prune trees just before they break dormancy in late winter or early spring, but this timing doesn’t work for birch trees. They bleed a heavy flow of sap if pruned when awakening from their winter rest, so the best time to prune birch trees is late summer or early autumn,”.
Ah, phew, I am doing it correctly – no need to call the ex about this one!
How to trim arborvitae
In conclusion, with the right timing, tools, and a bit of confidence, trimming arborvitae is doable—and rewarding for both landscape and peace of mind.