Quck answer
To top cedar trees properly, follow these steps:
1. Choose the right time: Late winter or early spring is the best time to top cedar trees, before new growth begins.
2. Gather the necessary tools: You will need a ladder, pruning shears, and safety equipment like gloves and goggles.
3. Assess the tree: Look for dead or diseased branches that need to be removed. Identify the height at which you want to top the tree.
4. Prune branches: Use the pruning shears to carefully remove branches above the desired height. Cut just above the branch collar to promote healing.
5. Clean up: Remove all cut branches and debris from the area.
Remember, topping cedar trees should be done sparingly and with caution, as improper pruning can harm the tree’s health.
Cedar trees are beautiful and majestic, but they require ample space to grow. Attempting to grow a cedar in a small area by cutting the top of the tree will cause irreversible damage and may even kill the tree. Before pruning, it’s important to understand the growth patterns of these trees.
Identifying True Cedars
Not all aromatic trees are true cedars, and many trees that smell like cedars are not true cedars at all. True cedars are not native to the United States and can be identified by the clusters of evergreen needles growing on stout pegs and large barrel-shaped cones that stand erect above the branches. If the tree has scale-like foliage and lacks cones, it is likely a juniper that falls in the “false cedar” category.
Understanding Cedar Growth Patterns
True cedars grow horizontally to create broad, upright trees that shade out growth beneath. When pruning, it is important to cut back to dormant buds. However, true cedars have few dormant buds on older parts of the trunk or limbs, meaning pruning must be limited. Pruning off all living needles on a branch will kill it and leave a permanent hole in the tree’s structure. Therefore, it is recommended that true cedars remain unpruned unless necessary.
Pruning Lightly Branch by Branch
If pruning is necessary, it should be done branch by branch with care. Pruning into the dead zone under the outer green area may cause the branch to die. Trim branch tips just above a lateral bud with a clean, sharp cutting tool. If the cedar is too big for the space, consider transplanting it if it is young or removing it entirely. “Topping” a true cedar will maim the tree and may kill it. Replace it with a cultivar that is the appropriate size for the space.
FAQ
1. Why is it important to top cedar trees?
Topping cedar trees is important for several reasons. First, it helps to control the height and shape of the tree, preventing it from growing too tall and becoming a safety hazard. Second, topping can promote the growth of lateral branches, making the tree denser and more aesthetically pleasing. Lastly, topping can help to rejuvenate an older cedar tree, stimulating new growth and extending its lifespan.
2. When is the best time to top cedar trees?
The best time to top cedar trees is during their dormant period, which is typically in late winter or early spring. Topping during this time allows the tree to recover and regrow before the active growing season begins. It is important to avoid topping cedar trees during hot summer months, as this can put stress on the tree and make it more susceptible to disease and pest infestation.
3. How should cedar trees be topped?
Cedar trees should be topped by removing the leader, or the main vertical stem, to the desired height. It is important to make a clean cut just above a lateral branch or bud to encourage proper regrowth. It is recommended to hire a professional arborist or tree care specialist to perform the topping, as they have the knowledge and experience to do it correctly and safely.
4. What are the potential risks of improper cedar tree topping?
Improper cedar tree topping can lead to several risks. First, it can cause the tree to develop weak and unstable branches, which can break and fall during storms or high winds. Second, incorrect topping can result in the tree becoming more vulnerable to pests and diseases. Lastly, improper topping can give the tree an unattractive and unnatural appearance, detracting from its overall beauty and value.
5. Are there any alternatives to topping cedar trees?
Yes, there are alternatives to topping cedar trees. One option is selective pruning, which involves selectively removing certain branches to achieve the desired shape and size of the tree. Another alternative is crown reduction, which involves reducing the height and spread of the tree while maintaining its natural form. Both of these methods can be effective in maintaining the health and appearance of cedar trees without the need for drastic topping.