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How to Manage your Arborvitae

Hi Roger-

My wife wants to cut back a overgrown arborvitae in the winter. Now my problem is will it ever grow back to its original shape?

Arborvitaes are fantastic screening plants. They are also pretty tough and can tolerate pruning. Just keep in mind, a little goes a long way- I wouldn’t remove more than say 20% at one time. Because Arborvitae is a conifer, it generally will not produce new growth from the older wood – so make sure you stay within the “live” area foliage.

Arborvitae has a fun backstory- the “Tree of Life” in Latin got its nickname because malnourished explorers would use the needles to make “tea” that provided the Vitamin C necessary to ward off scurvy!

-Roger