Photo: epopov, CC BY 4.0 · source
Pruning guide · Shrub
Russian arborvitae: when and how to prune
Microbiota decussata
Russian arborvitae is best pruned in April.
| Pruning months | April |
|---|---|
| Nesting season (15 March–15 August) | Take care in April |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Russian arborvitae: when to prune it?
It rarely needs pruning. A light trim to shape is possible in April, when the new shoots start to grow.
What else to prune in those months? April
Russian arborvitae: how to prune it?
- Cut dead or brown shoots back into green wood.
- Shorten branches that are too long back to a side shoot with green scales, so the mat stays within its edge.
- Use sharp secateurs or shears; if a branch blocks a path, cut a little more rather than too little.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: April.
- Prune in moderation: never remove more than about a third of the shrub at once.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Pruning in April 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.
Caution: Do not cut into bare, old wood: like most conifers, it will not sprout again from there.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Russian arborvitae · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.