Are you wondering why arborvitae should be pruned in the fall? Pruning is important for the health and appearance of your arborvitae, and doing it in the fall is the optimal time. In this article, we will not only explain why pruning in the fall is important but also guide you through the process of pruning viburnums in the fall.
Why Prune Arborvitae in the Fall?
Arborvitae is a popular evergreen that is often used as a hedge or privacy screen. In order to maintain its shape and balance, pruning is necessary. One reason that it is recommended to prune arborvitae in the fall is that it is easier to see its natural shape. After the new growth of the season has ceased, it is easier to identify any overgrown or dead branches. Additionally, pruning in the fall allows the tree to heal properly before the winter, when it is dormant.
Pruning in the fall also helps to maintain the health of the arborvitae. If dead or diseased branches are not removed, they can attract insects and pests, which can spread to healthy parts of the tree. Pruning also encourages new growth, which will help your arborvitae be healthier in the long run.
Tools needed for pruning arborvitae
Pruning arborvitae is a simple process that can be easily achieved with the right tools. Here are the tools you’ll need:
- Pruning shears: Pruning shears are a basic tool that every gardener should have. They are perfect for trimming small branches and making precision cuts. When selecting pruning shears, look for a quality pair with sharp blades and comfortable handles that fit well in your hand.
- Loppers: Loppers are necessary for thicker branches that can’t be treated with pruning shears. They have longer handles, thicker blades, and more leverage, making it easy to cut through branches up to 2 inches thick.
- Pruning saw: A pruning saw is essential for larger branches, and it is perfect for quickly cutting through the thicker branches of your arborvitae. Look for a saw with a comfortable handle, durable blade, and the right size (not too big or too small).
When pruning arborvitae or any other type of plant, it is essential to ensure your tools are clean and sharp. Clean tools prevent disease from spreading between plants and sharp tools ensure that cuts are clean, enabling a quicker healing process.
Remember to always wear protective gear including gloves and safety goggles. Trim your Arborvitae branches vertically by not cutting too far from the branch that is being cut. Cuts that are made further from the stem or trunk are not only unsightly but also slow down the process of healing and regeneration. That being said, pruning your arborvitae will make it an even more beautiful landscape feature for you and your visitors to enjoy.
Steps for pruning arborvitae in the fall
If you have arborvitae shrubs in your garden, you may need to prune them to keep them in good condition. Late fall is the ideal time to prune arborvitae, as it's a dormant period for them. The following are the steps for pruning arborvitae in the fall.
- Assess the shrub: Check for any dead or damaged branches, fungal or insect infections, and overgrowth. Decide how much you need to prune as arborvitae shrubs don't respond well to heavy pruning.
- Gather your tools: Get your gloves, pruning shears or a hedge trimmer, and a clean, sharp saw for larger cuts. Disinfect your tools with rubbing alcohol to prevent the spread of any diseases.
- Prune the base: Start at the base of the shrub and remove any branches that are touching the ground or the branches that are crossing each other.
- Thinning: Arborvitae shrubs can become too dense, making it hard for sunlight and air to penetrate. To promote good air circulation and light penetration, remove about 1/3 of the shrub's branches selectively throughout the shrub.
- Shape the shrub: If you want your shrub to have a particular shape, then use a sharp shear to trim the edges. However, be careful not to cut too much and make sure that the central branches are not exposed.
- Clean up: After pruning, dispose of all the dead leaves and branches. Do not keep them around your garden, as they can attract insects and diseases.
Following these steps will ensure that your arborvitae shrubs remain healthy and vibrant for years to come. Pruning arborvitae shrubs is a great way to keep them in perfect shape and enhancing the aesthetic of your garden.
Tips for Shaping Arborvitae
Arborvitae is a popular evergreen shrub that can add privacy and beauty to your garden. Just like viburnum, it is important to shape arborvitae correctly to keep it healthy and looking great. Here are some tips for shaping arborvitae:
Start pruning arborvitae when it is young. The best time to prune is in early spring, but you can also prune in late winter or early fall.
Use sharp, clean pruning shears to avoid damaging the shrub. Make clean cuts at a 45-degree angle.
Focus on removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Be sure to also remove any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.
To shape your arborvitae, trim the tips of new growth. This will encourage your shrub to grow fuller and denser.
When pruning arborvitae, it's important not to cut past the green foliage. Cutting into the brown, woody part of the branch can damage the shrub and cause it to die.
Arborvitae is sensitive to pruning during hot and dry weather, so avoid pruning during these conditions.
Once you have shaped your arborvitae, aim to maintain the shape by regular, light pruning. Avoid pruning too much at once, as this can stress the shrub and lead to sparse growth.
Following these tips for pruning and shaping arborvitae will help you maintain a healthy and attractive shrub in your garden.
Common mistakes to avoid when pruning arborvitae
Pruning is an essential part of keeping your arborvitae looking healthy and beautiful. However, pruning mistakes can result in long-term damage to your trees. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when pruning arborvitae:
Pruning too early: It is essential to wait until late winter or early spring to begin pruning your arborvitae. If you prune too early, the tree will suffer from cold damage or winter stress.
Removing too much foliage: It is crucial not to remove more than one-third of the arborvitae's foliage at one time. Removing too much foliage can result in the tree not having enough energy to grow back properly.
Pruning into the old wood: Avoid cutting back into the old wood of an arborvitae. Old wood is usually dead, and cutting it back will not promote new growth. It also leaves the tree open to disease and other problems.
Using the wrong pruning tools: Using the wrong pruning tools such as dull or improper ones can result in tearing the branches that could further damage the tree. Use sharp, clean pruning shears, loppers, or saws to prevent damage to the tree.
Pruning too frequently: Over-pruning can damage your arborvitae, so it's essential to follow a regular pruning schedule. Do not perform pruning on a seasonal basis, instead prune your arborvitae when it requires it.
Removing the central leader: Never remove the central leader of an arborvitae. Doing so disrupts its natural growth and can cause structural problems such as a weak trunk or multiple trunks growing together.
Remember to take your time when pruning your arborvitae, and do it in a gentle manner. Pruning may be necessary to maintain the trees' health and vigor, but it should not be done at the expense of its long-term health.
Aftercare for Pruned Arborvitae
After pruning your arborvitae according to the instructions mentioned earlier, you should perform aftercare to ensure its proper growth and development. Here are some tips:
Watering - Water the arborvitae regularly for the first year after pruning. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged. Make sure it gets an inch of water per week until established.
Mulching - Apply mulch around the base of the arborvitae to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. It should be a layer of two to three inches, but not piled up against the trunk of the tree as it can cause rot.
Fertilizing - Arborvitae needs a balanced fertilizer for optimal growth. In the first spring after pruning, apply a slow-release fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Read the instruction carefully before applying, and don't fertilize in the fall.
Weeding - Regularly remove weeds from around the arborvitae to prevent them from competing for nutrients and water in the soil.
Pruning - Regular pruning keeps the arborvitae healthy and looking beautiful. Check the arborvitae throughout the year and trim any yellow or brown foliage, diseased branches, or dead twigs as they appear. Make sure to maintain the natural shape of the tree.
By following the aftercare steps mentioned above, your arborvitae will thrive and provide you and your landscape with year-round greenery and privacy. Happy pruning!
