What is the best technique to trim an arborvitae?
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Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com on Jun 10, 2013The primary reason they are getting big is because your only clipping the new growth. A common mistake that people make. You need to be a bit more aggressive with the clipping and cut into the older growth materials as well. Once the plants begin to go out of shape it will take a lot of work to get them back to their once nice look. This often results in holes and gaps in the bushes until they grow back in. I would suggest if you are uncomfortable in doing this to have a professional landscaper that does this type of work reshape them for you and show you how to maintain these fine plants.Helpful Reply
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360 Sod (Donna Dixson) on Jun 10, 2013I use manual hand pruners to control the cut better. For me using the electric hedgers is like a surgeon using a butter knife. I just don't have the control I want with the electric hedgers.Helpful Reply
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Barbara Passaro on Jun 10, 2013Thanks...I'm thinking of cutting the top down being careful not to take too much? OR Making another section in the top?Helpful Reply
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Gardens By Design, LLC on Jun 11, 2013Most arborvitae of this size develop an area on the inside of the plant canopy that has little or no foliage. Green foliage should remain on branches that are cut back. Avoid cutting back to bare branches as they seldom are able to develop new growth.Helpful Reply
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Bobee-Kay Clark on Jun 16, 2013If you cut off the top, the arborvitae will grow out instead of up.Helpful Reply
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Cynthia on Jun 20, 2013Hand pruners worked best for me. Takes alittle longer but you can prune away the new and older growth to get it into the shape you want.Helpful Reply
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