Remove heavy limbs safely using a three-cut system.

Sep 21, Shear the Western red cedar in the early spring if you are using it as a hedge, screen or wind-break. (Light shearing will promote new growth and maintain its appearance.) You will use your hedge trimmers and cut away growth/needles to maintain the desired appearance of your hedge. Apr 02, Remove the weak leader at the point where it connects to the main stem. Sterilize the cutting tool before using it to prevent the spread of pathogens.

Another time to start cutting back cedar trees is when you see damaged or dead branches. Prune out dead wood with sterilized clippers. Wait until early winter to thin your red cedar tree. The months of November through February are best for pruning red cedars, because you might damage the bark if you cut the branches during the. Jun 30, Use bypass hand shears or hand pruners to prune a cedar tree for branch structure.

Disinfect the cutting blade by wiping it with a rag soaked in denatured alcohol. Make the cut at the point the lesser leader emerges from the trunk. Don't apply wound balm or sealant, but allow the tree to Author: Teo Spengler.