Always make sure that green growth is left on every branch cut to prevent the branch from dying. New growth can be sheared back or thinned close to the dead zone, but you should try not to remove any more than two thirds of new growth. Prune early in the growing season, April or May depending on your growing zone.

How much can you trim an evergreen bush?

If you planted a conifer in a space that is too small for its growth, then you may have to trim it a bit more. As a general rule, though, it is not advisable to remove more than one-third of the plant at any one time.

How far back can you trim an evergreen?

A general rule of pruning that also applies to evergreens is the Rule of Thirds; never remove more than one-third of a plant at any time. Removing too much growth all at once is very stressful to a plant and it will take them a long time to recover.

Can you trim back evergreen bushes?

Prune all evergreens, except pine, before new growth starts in the spring or during the semidormant period in mid-summer. When pruning, follow the general branching pattern to maintain the natural shape. Remove dead, diseased, or broken branches anytime. Occasionally, an evergreen may lose its leader.

How do you deal with overgrown evergreen bushes?

One method is to prune them back over a 3-year period. Begin by removing one-third of the large, old stems at ground level in late winter/early spring (March or early April). The following year (again in March or early April), prune out one-half of the remaining old stems. Also, thin out some of the new growth.

How far back can I trim my shrubs?

The 1/3 rule can be applied to most shrubs and small ornamental trees, but for larger shade trees, pruning should be limited to no more than 1/4 of the total branches.

When should overgrown bushes be trimmed?

The best time to rejuvenate large, overgrown shrubs is late winter or early spring (March or early April). Heavy pruning in late winter or early spring will reduce or eliminate the flower display for 2 or 3 years. However, rejuvenation pruning will restore the health of the shrubs.

How far back can you trim arborvitae?

Arborvitae Pruning Tips Remember not to remove more than 25-35% of the foliage or cut back beyond the last foot or so of a branch, if you want to see regrowth.

Can evergreen trees be topped?

Large evergreen trees do not respond well to topping. The removal of the upper main stem through topping opens the tree to internal decay, disease or damaging insects; it also removes the most productive portion of the tree. The practice of topping to control tree size or growth is not justified.

What do you do with an overgrown arborvitae?

When the arborvitae is badly overgrown, you should trim it in stages to avoid cutting down to bare wood, as the tree cannot regenerate green foliage growth at that point. Overall, trimming cuts should always be thoughtfully considered and implemented with a light touch.

Can you cut back juniper bushes?

Juniper bush trimming should not take too long and can be done in the early spring. You can trim back wayward branches but be careful not to overdo it. Stay away from the growth in the middle of the plant because too much cutting here can kill the juniper bush.

Can you prune a bush too much?

Over time, continued over pruning may lead to branches that are too weak to tolerate wind or ice loads, or the plant may simply exhaust itself trying to replenish its canopy. The plant may become extremely weak, allowing a variety of pathogens and insects to invade.