Pruning guide
How to prune arborvitae
Best time
Late winter to early spring before new growth flushes
How often
Rarely; only when dead or damaged growth appears
Technique
Use sharp shears to snip dead or damaged tips back to living green growth. Avoid cutting into brown, needleless wood — it will not regrow.
More arborvitae care
Pruning arborvitae — FAQ
When should I prune arborvitae?
Late winter to early spring before new growth flushes. Use sharp shears to snip dead or damaged tips back to living green growth. Avoid cutting into brown, needleless wood — it will not regrow.
How often does arborvitae need pruning?
Rarely; only when dead or damaged growth appears. Arborvitae is very rarely grown as a true houseplant; it is a landscape conifer. Indoors it declines quickly. If kept in a container, pruning needs are minimal — remove dead or brown branch tips only. Do not cut into old, brown wood as conifers do not regenerate from bare wood.
How do you prune arborvitae?
Use sharp shears to snip dead or damaged tips back to living green growth. Avoid cutting into brown, needleless wood — it will not regrow.