What is the best time of year to trim evergreens?

spring
Late spring is an excellent time to prune evergreen shrubs in the landscape. Pruning just after the emergence of the spring growth will provide a basis for helping to shape the plant while retaining the natural look.

How do you trim the bottom of an evergreen tree?

First make a cut 12 to 24 inches from the base of the limb on the lower side of the branch. Cut about a third of the way through the branch. Second, cut right through the branch from above, just outside the initial cut. Make the final cut just outside the limb collar to remove the branch stub.

How much can you trim an evergreen bush?

As a general rule, though, it is not advisable to remove more than one-third of the plant at any one time.

When should evergreen trees be shaped?

Most evergreens are pruned either while dormant in early spring before new growth starts, just as new growth is starting, or when they are semi-dormant, in mid-summer. Early spring is preferable since the new growth will quickly fill in.

When should I cut my evergreen branches?

When trimming evergreens is necessary, the best time to prune conifers is winter or very early spring when they are dormant and before growth begins. The next best time to prune evergreens, particularly conifers, is after the new season’s growth is complete, usually late June or July.

What happens if you cut off the top of an evergreen tree?

When trimming a tall pine, it is essential that you never cut off the pointed top or “crown” of the tree. This will either result in tree death or in deformed and sickly growth. Replace tall pines with dwarf pine varieties or other evergreens that won’t reach such immense heights.

Can evergreen trees be topped?

Large evergreen trees do not respond well to topping. The removal of the upper main stem through topping opens the tree to internal decay, disease or damaging insects; it also removes the most productive portion of the tree. The practice of topping to control tree size or growth is not justified.

Should you trim the bottom of pine trees?

Another rule you want to consider is don’t over trim the bottom of a pine tree. Branches do not re-grow. Pines only grow up and never from the trunks bottom or base. Branches do sprout new stems and will thicken up but as for new branches sprouting from the trunk, this doesn’t happen.