For the thuja hedge, a radical cut is not the method of choice. If you cut back the tree of life too much, it will no longer sprout. Attacking the thuja so hard with scissors only makes sense if the tree can otherwise no longer be saved.
When and how should the Thuja be cut back severely?
Severe pruning of the thuja should be avoided as it affects growth and leaves bare spots. If necessary, the best time is in the spring before new growth. Avoid sunny or wet days and fertilize the thuja after cutting.
It is better to avoid cutting back Thuja heavily
- It's better not to shorten Thuja radically
- only for diseases or pests
- Distribute the rejuvenation cut several times
- Radical cut only in spring
It is often recommended to carry out a rejuvenation cut on a bald thuja. But you should think about it carefully.
When pruning heavily, it is essential to cut the tree down to the old wood. But it no longer sprouts in these places. As a result, there are large bare spots in the hedge that don't look nice and are no longer opaque.
You should only think about radical pruning if the tree of life is half dried out or is suffering from diseases and fungal infestation. However, expect that the Thuja will not survive this measure.
When to prune heavily?
The best time for radical pruning is spring. Then new growth is imminent.
Later in the year you are not allowed to prune heavily, as this measure is prohibited due to concerns about breeding birds.
Do not prune on sunny or wet days
If you have decided to cut back the thuja heavily, choose a day when the sun is not blazing from the sky. This creates brown tips on the tree of life.
If the branches are very wet, pruning is not recommended, as this encourages fungal infestation.
After heavily pruning, water the hedge thoroughly without allowing it to become waterlogged. To strengthen the thuja, it may be advisable to add fertilizer.
Tree of life should be cut more often
To avoid severe pruning of the Thuja hedge, you should use scissors (€14.00 on Amazon) twice a year. Even if the tree of life is already somewhat bare, it may be advisable to divide the pruning into several times. This damages the thuja less than a radical cut.
Tip
Thuja tolerates pruning well, but doesn't like being cut behind the green. It stays there bare and then offers an unsightly sight in the garden.