My large yard (approx 100 x 150) has white cedars along nearly the entire perimeter. They have never been pruned and range now in height from 12′ to 20+ feet. They are also far too wide and impeding on structures located near the perimeter of the yard. Some are also getting less sun at the base and thinning out.
We had a quote of 8k to have them professionally hedged but have chosen to rent equipment and do it ourselves. I am terrified of killing them. Our goal is to (in time) have them all approx 10-12′ tall and narrow them out so they are even and no longer impede the sheds or kid’s playground. We are located in central-east ontario.
How much can we safely cut off the tops? How much can we safely cut from the sides?
Photo included to show size- (not the best picture I know)
Hello,
Generally we answer questions submitted by residents of Toronto as this is one of the requirements on the submission form. However as we have just had a similar question posed, I will copy that answer here for you.
“Yes you can prune your cedars, both by reducing the height but no more than 1/4 in any year and the width with limitations. When pruning the sides you have to ensure that you do not cut any further back than where there is still green growth. If you remove all the growth you are into dead wood and there will be no growth from that, you will be left with bare branches.” (Toronto Master Gardeners Ask)
Here is the relevant part of the earlier answer.
“Ideally, this should have been done earlier in the year while the trees were dormant – late winter/early spring, but don’t despair, you can prune your cedars now.”
You may want to note your local Master Gardener group for future reference:
Below, is a link to a previously posed question to the Toronto Master Gardeners on a slightly different problem but the information included is appropriate to your situation. Included within the answer, there is another link to a video by Sean James, a well respected garden professional and Guelph Master Gardener, that should give you the confidence to proceed.
Cedar Trees – Toronto Master Gardeners
Trimming large, mature white cedars
Hope this information is helpful.
May 28, 2024