Pruning Cedars

Credit: iStock/Charles Schug

Q: I have 8 ft emerald cedars that need pruned & shaped. Do I do this in winter when dormant?

Pruning emerald cedar (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’) should be done during the growing season rather than the dormant period (winter time). This is because excessive pruning may cause new growth, which may not ripen before the onset of winter.