Reducing the height of a Cedar (Thuja)
While ‘topping’ a tree is bad, (cutting a tree back to random points to reduce height, spread and maybe shade), ‘reduction pruning’ (cutting a tree back to a side branch) is often necessary to reduce size and/or prevent storm damage. Sometimes cedar trees such as Emerald Cedar can be bent badly, and pulled open by a weight of ice and snow. October shearing will help to keep the tree small and reduce ‘fluffy bits’ on which ice and snow can sit, pulling the specimen open. If more drastic action is needed, here’s how Sean makes tall cedars shorter!