Topping Off and Pruning Arborvitae

Remove branches that are broken, dead or diseased. This is necessary to prevent fungi from attacking the rest of the tree and making the entire plant decay.

Remove any branches that jut out. This will make the arborvitae more visually appealing. This process also allows the tree canopy to get air circulated to it, improving its health and reducing the risk for tree disease.

Prune the arborvitae to give it a hedge shape. This will help the plant to grow and remain healthy because the lower branches will now be exposed to direct sunlight.

Regularly prune the arborvitae to have it grow wide and bushy. Regularly trimming the top of the arborvitae will prevent it from growing too tall. Instead of being tall, thin and cylindrical, a pruned and trimmed arborvitae will grow wide; placing several of them next to each other can even create a natural “wall” or “fence.”