Pruning Arborvitae

Nature Hills Nursery | February 14, 2026

Pruning arborvitae trees is an important part of the maintenance process. Many of the species of arborvitae trees will not need any pruning, as they will maintain a natural shape that is pleasing to the eye. In these cases, pruning arborvitae should only be done in order to limit the height that the plant will reach. In other cases, pruning will allow the gardener to change the shape of the plant into a hedge, or a more ornamental shape.

The first step to pruning arborvitae is to understand when and why to prune. If a tree is mature, many of the branches may not be as lively as they once were. This may be from lack of sunlight or proper nutrients. When this happens, pruning the plant down may provide the proper light to the branch, rejuvenating it. Pruning will also help to stimulate new growth.

Most arborvitae should be pruned or trimmed while dormant in the colder months, roughly from about November to March. Pruning arborvitae may also be strictly ornamental. A row of arborvitae trees may be pruned down to shrubs, for a more aesthetically pleasing screen. Pruning arborvitae may also entail removing branches and growth that shoots out of the border of the plant. Removing these will make the plant seem fuller and healthier. Cutting it down to just a few inches off the ground may rejuvenate an arborvitae that is overgrown or weak. This is the fastest and most reliable way to renew a shrub.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to prune arborvitae?

The best time to prune arborvitae is during the dormant season, generally from November through March. Pruning during this period minimizes stress on the plant and encourages healthy new growth in spring. Avoid heavy pruning in late summer or fall, as this can stimulate tender new growth that is vulnerable to winter damage. Plan your pruning schedule around these cooler months to keep your arborvitae looking its best year after year.

How do you prune arborvitae without damaging them?

Prune arborvitae during their dormant period, generally from November through March, to minimize stress and encourage healthy regrowth in spring. Focus on removing branches that extend beyond the plant's natural border, as this encourages a fuller, more compact shape without disrupting the overall structure. Avoid cutting back into bare, brown wood, as arborvitae will not regenerate from old growth the way some other shrubs do. Always use clean, sharp shears to make precise cuts and reduce the risk of disease.

Can you trim arborvitae to keep them small?

Yes, you can trim arborvitae to control their size and limit their height. The best time to prune is during dormancy, roughly between November and March. For the best results, make your cuts to shape the plant while it is still young and manageable, rather than waiting until it becomes overgrown.

How do you trim overgrown arborvitae back into shape?

Overgrown arborvitae can be cut back drastically, even to just a few inches from the ground, to rejuvenate weak or unruly plants. The best time to prune is during dormancy, between November and March, to minimize stress on the plant. To restore a more refined shape, remove any branches that extend beyond the natural border of the plant, which will encourage a fuller, healthier appearance. Start by trimming the outermost wayward growth first, then work inward gradually to achieve your desired form.

How far back can you safely prune arborvitae?

Arborvitae can generally be pruned back moderately, but avoid cutting into old, brown wood with no green growth, as these branches will not regenerate. For overgrown or weak shrubs, cutting back to just a few inches off the ground is a reliable renewal method. For routine maintenance and shaping, trim during the dormant season between November and March to minimize stress on the plant. Always ensure some green foliage remains on any branch you prune to support healthy regrowth.

Should you prune arborvitae into a specific shape?

Arborvitae can absolutely be pruned into specific shapes, though many varieties naturally maintain an attractive form on their own. Pruning for shape works well when creating a formal hedge or a more ornamental silhouette from a row of trees. For best results, do your shaping during the dormant season, roughly November through March, to minimize stress on the plant and encourage healthy new growth in spring.

How do you prune globe arborvitae to maintain their natural form?

Globe arborvitae are naturally compact and rounded, so they require very little pruning to maintain their shape. If any wayward branches extend beyond the natural outline of the plant, simply trim them back to just inside the canopy to preserve the rounded silhouette. The best time to do this light shaping is during the dormant season, roughly November through March. Focus only on removing branches that disrupt the natural form rather than cutting into the interior of the plant, which can cause browning and reduce fullness.

How often should arborvitae be pruned each year?

Arborvitae generally require only one pruning session per year, ideally performed during the dormant season between November and March. This timing encourages healthy new growth once spring arrives while minimizing stress on the plant. Focus your annual pruning on removing any branches that extend beyond the plant's natural border and thinning areas that lack sunlight to keep your arborvitae looking full and vigorous.

Can you prune arborvitae in summer or fall?

Most arborvitae should be pruned during their dormant period, roughly from November through March, which produces the best results and least stress on the plant. Pruning outside this window, particularly in summer or fall, is generally not recommended as it can interfere with the plant's natural growth cycle. If you must do light trimming in other seasons, limit it to removing errant branches that have grown outside the plant's natural border, and save any significant shaping or size reduction for the winter dormant period.

What tools should you use when pruning arborvitae?

While the specific tools needed will depend on the size and scope of your pruning job, sharp hand pruners work well for small branches and detail work, while loppers or a pruning saw are better suited for thicker branches. Always make sure your tools are clean and sharp before you begin, as dull or dirty blades can damage plant tissue and spread disease. Wipe your blades with a disinfectant solution between cuts, especially when removing dead or diseased growth, to keep your arborvitae healthy.