Thuja not only tolerates pruning well, the tree of life even needs regular pruning. Only if you shorten the tips and shoots will it sprout again and become nice and dense. This applies especially to the hedge, but you should also trim the tree of life occasionally as a solitary plant.
When should you cut a thuja?
The ideal time to cut a thuja is in the spring before budding and another topiary cut in the summer. Avoid pruning in frost or strong sun and never cut directly into the old wood, as the tree will not sprout again there.
Cutting thuja as a tree or hedge
With the Thuja hedge, it goes without saying that you have to cut the tree of life more often, at least if you want to grow an opaque hedge.
If you care for the Thuja as a single tree, pruning is not absolutely necessary. However, the tree will thank you if you shorten it occasionally. Then it becomes more dense.
As a solitary plant, Thuja can be easily cut into almost any shape you want. Whether as a ball or spiral - there are hardly any limits to your imagination when shortening Thuja.
When will it be cut?
- Cutting possible at any time
- not in frost or strong sun
- Main cut in spring
- Care cut in summer
Basically, you can cut a thuja whenever you like. Cutting back doesn't make sense directly in winter.
The best time to cut the thuja is in early spring before the tree sprouts. In the summer, further pruning takes place, in which the tree of life is only brought into shape. When cutting, pay attention to the regulations that apply in your municipality. During the breeding and setting season, only light topiary cuts are permitted.
Do not trim Thuja on days when the sun is strong, as the tree will turn brown at the cut points.
Radical pruning of the Thuja
A radical pruning is carried out in spring to rejuvenate the tree of life. Even if Thuja tolerates cutting well, you should never cut directly into old wood. The tree won't sprout again there.
Cut the tree of life into shape
Thuja can be easily cut into shape. Trees of life in a spherical or spiral shape are often seen in gardens.
Here too, the main pruning takes place in early spring. In summer it's just a matter of shortening protruding branches to maintain the shape.
Cutting thuja in case of diseases and pest infestation
If brown needles and shoots appear on the thuja, you should investigate the cause. It is then recommended to cut off the brown areas generously, immediately!
Put thuja on the compost heap
You can safely add cuttings from the thuja to the compost if they are he althy and free of pest infestation. Even if the tree of life is poisonous, there is no danger when composted.
However, you should always wear gloves and long-sleeved clothing when cutting the thuja. The plant sap that comes out when it is shortened is poisonous. It causes inflammatory reactions in sensitive people if it gets directly on bare skin. You should also protect your eyes and face to be on the safe side.
Tip
When cutting the thuja hedge, you should always choose a conical shape. Then the tree of life gets enough light further down and doesn't turn brown on the inside so quickly.
