Nothing boosts a property’s curb appeal like lush and lovely cedars. But if they are not properly cared for, those aesthetically pleasing trees can turn into an eyesore real fast. Are your cedar trees in getting the TLC they deserve?


Trimming and pruning are two of the most important things you can do to preserve the beauty and the health of your trees. Proper maintenance will not only help your cedars grow strong, but also keeps them looking their absolute best all year-round.
While many folks think tree trimming and pruning fall under the same heading, you might be surprised to learn they are not the same thing. Read on to learn the difference between the two techniques.

 

What is Cedar Tree Trimming?

Tree trimming is all about the aesthetics. To help maintain your trees’ shape and beauty, you’ll need to thin out overgrown branches. Otherwise, cedars can grow wild, leaving your trees looking unbalanced and unruly. Left unchecked, excess branch growth can interfere with your neighbour’s yard, or grow too close to power lines, posing a threat to you and your property.

Excessive growth can also have an impact on the overall health of your cedar trees in Seattle. Overgrown branches can reduce the amount of moisture and light your cedars receive, leading to browning and sometimes even death.

The optimal time of year for trimming your cedars is between late winter and early spring when the trees are dormant. Trimming your trees before summer is less stressful for your cedars and will help them recover for the growing season.

What is Cedar Tree pruning?

Unlike trimming, tree pruning is done primarily for the overall well-being and structure of your cedar trees. You don’t want to deal with something like brown leaves or damage from pests.

Pruning is a major part of maintaining the health of your tress. This delicate and strategic process will not only help protect your cedars from pests and diseases, but also stimulates strong growth.

Tree pruning involves removing dead, unhealthy, or damaged branches, promoting proper air-flow and prolonging the life of your cedars. Tree pruning should typically be done during the growing season, from late in the summer until early fall.

Are your stunning cedar trees in Seattle in need of some sprucing up? Whether you tackle this project head-on or hire a professional arborist, trimming and pruning your cedars will help keep them healthy and beautiful all year long.

How to Trim a Cedar Tree

A cedar tree has a distinctive shape with needle-like leaves that can reach up to five feet in diameter. This evergreen is relatively easy to care for, but it does have some special needs, such as pruning its long branches and doing deep root wor”.

To care for your cedar tree, trim its branches using a pruning saw. When you do this, make sure that you leave healthy branches near the main trunk, but the ones that are dry and dying should be removed.

If any parts of the tree are rubbing against another structure or surface, remove it to protect your home..

You’ll want to make sure that you keep enough water in the soil to keep it moist year-round. To do this, dig a large hole 12 inches deep in early fall, place your tree inside it and then backfill around the tree with soil. Water it well. This will help it stay hydrated all winter long even in places where there is no snow cover. Trim your cedar tree in the early spring before new shoots appear. Make sure that you do this every year to promote healthy growth.

If you don’t have a lot of time to carefully trim your cedar tree, purchase professional help instead. Most landscaping companies will offer cedar care services, including trimming branches and watering the soil for an annual fee.

What is Deep Root Pruning For Cedar Trees?

Deep root pruning is the process of cutting off branches that emerge from the base of a cedar tree. This can be done in late winter after the snow has melted to around six inches.

The main goal of deep root pruning is to allow light and water to reach the branch tips and trunk, which will lead to less dense growth and more attractive branches.

Pruning the roots and top growth will also make it easier for you to stake your cedar tree to make it grow taller and straighter. However, you should only stake your cedar tree if it’s in an area that gets at least six hours of sunlight daily.

Cedar Tree Trimming Tips

Here are some tips for trimming cedar trees:

  • First, you should prepare the tools and equipment that you need: a saw, loppers or shears, and a ladder.
  • Place the ladder at the very top of the tree’s trunk and step on it while balancing on your knees. And make sure to place one foot firmly on each side of the trunk while leaning over for stability.
  • Then, use your saw or loppers to cut any branches that are touching or close to any power line.
  • Lastly, use the shears to cut “dry” branches.
  • When cutting dry branches, use caution because you can easily hurt yourself. Be careful not to cut any wires.

When Should Cedar Trees Be Pruned?

If you have a cedar tree in your yard, make sure to prune it in the fall. This will help prevent insect infestation, as well as sap drip.

If you don’t, they may produce sap that can drip onto windows and doors during winter storms – not something anyone wants on their new car!

Prune just before cold weather begins with loppers or shears. Leave enough foliage on the branches for protection against diseases and insects. Then give the area around the trunk some good mulch which will help protect roots during cold temperatures.

Use sharp tools. Use caution before cutting into the bark. Make cuts that are parallel to the ground and follow the contours of the tree – not straight across.

Do not prune branches so low they could touch the ground, as this leaves growth spaces for insects to hide in. You can also provide shade for them by covering branches with shade netting or other material.

If you have a large tree, it’s best to leave all of its branches with foliage on them in late winter or early spring, when temperatures are low. It makes it easier to manage in summer with lawn mowers and weed-wackers (never haul your leaf-blower around during cold spells).

 

For great looking cedar trees, contact Fraser Valley Cedars today!