cutting back an arborvitae - Page 2

 

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On 6/27/2010 12:39 PM, brooklyn1 wrote:


I could be wrong, but the OP seemed to indicate a slow, gradual
reduction in height.  The shrubs could always be removed and dumped
after gradual shortening and shearing if they died, and they might
thrive.  Why not take the time to find out?

As to wounds, I've seen ice and snow damage to large arborvitae branches
and seen them bounce back with vitality (not mine, I brush it all off as
fast as I can, lucky so far), so it's certainly within the realm of
possiblities.

Susan

 

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On 6/27/2010 1:04 PM, Susan wrote:


This suggests that the OP could just go ahead and cut those babies hard:

http://www.aboutarborvitae.com/pruning_arborvitae.shtml

Other sites, too, discuss pruning, shearing and topping to keep neat
arborvitae hedges, so it's not so deadly after all, I guess.

Susan

 



Why waste many years hoping for what most likely won't be... a new
arborvitae costs like $20.  I wouldn't plant American arborvitae by an
entryway anyway, they grow too large, are used primarily for
screening... sometimes planted in groups for accent but require a very
large space.  But why make the same mistake, I'd plant something
different, something with a more suitable growing habit, that would
fit with sun exposure.  Large specimens don't work as foundation
plantings.

 

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On 6/27/2010 2:07 PM, brooklyn1 wrote:


I think it depends upon how large your foundation bed is and what your
need is in terms of camouflage and balance, that's why I used the
emerald one.  Bought it mature to cover up the fact that a meter is
hideously attached to the *front* of my home.

And from all I've now read, there's no harm in cutting them as much as
one needs to, so they're perfectly well suited as long as one maintains
them.

At the rate mine grows, years aren't necessary, at least not for an
established plant.

Susan

 

Phisherman wrote:
...

  they'll recover from a lot
of abuse if they don't get
too dried out in the winter
winds when their center
is exposed.

  we have a few that get
munched on by the deer
and i just go along and
trim out the dead stuff
left behind.  they sprout
new to fill in eventually
if left alone.

  but i do agree with the
landscaper.  they smell
nice, but they grow too
big for next to foundation
planting.


  songbird