The tree of life is not only very suitable as a hedge, but also for keeping as a topiary. In addition to the spherical shape, the spiral is particularly popular. How do you cut a thuja in a spiral and what do you need?
How to cut a thuja into a spiral shape?
To cut a thuja in a spiral, you need clean secateurs, a small saw, a string and a template. Tie the string to the tree in a spiral pattern and cut along the string, making the cuts thinner toward the inside. Avoid cutting behind the green. Make the tip in a cone or ball shape.
Cut thuja as a spiral
Thuja offers good privacy as a hedge in the garden. But the tree of life also cuts a fine figure as a topiary. The shapes chosen are primarily balls or spirals.
The tree tolerates pruning very well and can be pruned all year round except when there is frost.
The tools you need
The tools you need are:
- clean secateurs
- small saw
- string
- Stencil
Electric devices are not suitable because you cannot cut accurately enough. Make sure that the equipment is very clean so that you do not transmit any diseases.
You can get a template from a specialist retailer or you can make one yourself from cardboard or wire.
How to get a spiral shape
Tie a string at the top of the tree of life and lead it in a spiral shape around the thuja. Alternatively, create the template.
Now cut along the cord so that the cuts become thinner towards the inside. Avoid cutting behind the greenery as the arborvitae will not sprout again there.
For the tip, either cut the thuja into a cone shape or create a ball. There are wire templates for the spherical shape that are simply placed over the crown.
The best time to cut the thuja
The main shape is cut in spring. In doing so, you give the tree of life the desired shape.
Later you only have to remove protruding shoots. You should also occasionally cut out cross-growing branches so that the thuja gets enough air and light.
Never cut in direct sun as the cuts will then turn brown. The thuja branches should also not be soaked so that fungal spores cannot penetrate the cuts.
Tip
If you don't have the confidence to cut the thuja into a spiral yourself, you can buy appropriate arborvitae commercially. These are pre-cut and only need to be re-cut from time to time.
