Japanese cedar: when and how to prune

Japanese cedar: when to prune it?

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Pruning is rarely needed. If you want to shape or shorten it, do so in April or late August.

What else to prune in those months? April · August

Japanese cedar: how to prune it?

1. Cut out dead, damaged or brown branches back to healthy wood.
2. Dwarf forms and hedges can be lightly trimmed; cut into the green shoots where possible.
3. If a young tree has two leaders, remove the weaker one so that a single straight trunk remains.
4. On a specimen tree the natural shape is the most beautiful: do only what is really necessary.

How much to cut, and how often?

• There are 2 pruning periods a year: April and August. You don’t have to prune in every one.
• Never remove more than about a quarter of the crown at once. Better a little every year.

What does it mean for wildlife?

• Pruning in April and 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.
• Leaving a stub or sawing flush with the trunk: cut just outside the branch collar.

Nearby: related pruning guides

• Almond tree
• Apple tree
• Apricot tree
• Beech
• Cherry tree
• Field maple

Plant profile: Japanese cedar · Pruning calendar and basic rules