How to prune thujas?

 Thujas are popular thujas that fulfill various functions in gardens and on properties. Starting from traditional green hedges, to single decorative specimens, or a background for flower beds and rockeries. One of the key maintenance treatments is regular pruning. How to prune thujas and when to do it?

The proper schedule and method of pruning thuja depends on the function that the shrub fulfills in the garden, but also on the specific variety. What's more, we distinguish several types of cuts, so before you take a pruning shears or other tool in your hands, read our recommendations. It may turn out that in the case of shrubs in your garden, pruning is not necessary, you plan to do it at the wrong time or in the wrong way.

How to prune thujas?

Pruning thujas is not a complicated procedure, mainly due to the shoots that are not very woody, more delicate than those of traditional trees. With a little willingness and knowledge, you are able to do it yourself. Of course, you can use the help of an experienced gardener who will choose the way of cutting, but we believe that you will be able to handle our tips without much problem.

THE MAIN CRITERION WHEN IT COMES TO THE WAY OF TRIMING, IS THE VARIETY AND THE FUNCTION IN THE GARDEN.

The generally applied rule says that species planted in the form of hedges should be trimmed systematically, even 2-3 times a season. The exception are thuja varieties such as Szmaragd or Columna, which are planted mainly as unformed hedges and do not require so frequent pruning. On the other hand, slow-growing specimens and specimens planted as independent specimens are not so demanding and in this case a basic sanitary pruning, or a slight correction of the shape, is sufficient.

What is the easiest way to divide the types of thuja cutting?

sanitary - removal of dried, diseased or broken shoots

corrective – 'reminiscent' pruning, which restores the plant to its assumed shape

formative - the main goal is to form the bush

translucent - thinning of the crown increasing access to the light of the inner parts of the bush

The main rules of pruning thuja:

during spring and summer pruning, shorten the shoots by about 1/3 or 1/2 of their length and remove all dead, damaged or infected twigs

the last pruning consists in slightly shortening the shoots by about 2 cm, thanks to which the plant will spread better and thicken

only trim shrubs that have reached a minimum height of 1.5 meters (except dwarf varieties, of course)

after cutting, we recommend smearing the wounds with an ointment or other fungicidal preparation

avoid pruning shrubs during rain, frost, very high temperatures and strong sunlight

pruning tools (shears, manual, petrol or electric shears) should be sharp and disinfected. This will avoid tearing delicate twigs and transferring harmful pathogens to other parts of the plant

when trimming, remember about the proper outer clothing and protective gloves.

What else is worth knowing about thuja pruning?

 

the first pruning of shrubs can be made only in spring, in the year following planting. Too early cutting can contribute to the weakening of the plant, which needs a lot of energy to take root and take on a new position

the last pruning of the season should not be made later than at the turn of August and September. If you miss the right moment, it's better to skip trimming altogether. Remember that this activity stimulates the plant to grow, but also causes micro-injuries and wounds, which need a certain time to heal.

When to prune thujas?

As we mentioned above, the frequency of pruning depends on the intended use and variety of a particular shrub. What's more, different rules apply to specimens with a columnar habit, and other dwarf varieties intended for low hedges or as an independent decorative element.

To help sort things out a bit, here are some details on when to prune thujas:

thujas should be pruned from March/April to the end of August

plan the first spring pruning after the winter frosts are over, in the bud swelling phase, but before the proper growing season

new specimens should be pruned only in the spring, in the year following planting

the second, summer pruning of shrubs is best done around June, when young shoots reach several centimeters

the third cut (August/beginning of September) is the last one before the winter season, because the twigs stimulated to grow must become woody before the temperatures drop below zero.

TO SUMMARY, THUJA IS A VIBE THAT REQUIRES REGULAR TRIM.

All of the above tips are basic knowledge about pruning shrubs. Some varieties will be content with a cosmetic pruning once a year, while others grow best when trimmed 2-3 times during the growing season. It is worth emphasizing that the cutting itself should depend not only on the variety or use of the shrub, but also on your preferences. Pruning thuja gives a huge range of possibilities, and the plant itself can be easily shaped and managed in accordance with the expected effect. The best solution is therefore to observe the plant and wisely plan the schedule of care work.