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Pruning guide · Conifer
Cedar: when and how to prune
Cedrus
Cedar is best pruned in August–September.
| Pruning months | August–September |
|---|---|
| Nesting season (15 March–15 August) | Take care in August |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Little |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Cedar: when to prune it?
Dead, diseased and broken branches can be removed at any time of year. Any formative pruning in late summer.
Cedar: how to prune it?
- A cedar looks best unpruned.
- Shortening side branches to just beyond the trunk spoils the tree for good: if a branch has to go, saw it off completely, back to the trunk.
- If a young tree has two leaders, remove one in late summer.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: August–September.
- Grows best when left alone. Only remove dead, diseased or awkward branches.
- Most conifers do not regrow from old, bare wood. So never cut back into the brown part (exception: yew).
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Pruning in August can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
- Prunings can go on a dead hedge or brash pile in a corner of the garden: shelter for hedgehogs, wrens and insects.
Common mistakes
- Clipping without first checking for nesting birds.
- Cutting back into bare brown wood: it will not regrow from there.
- Pruning too much: it grows best when left alone.
- Leaving a stub or sawing flush with the trunk: cut just outside the branch collar.
Caution: Don’t prune into bare wood: a cedar won’t sprout from there.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Similar to: Difference from European larch
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.