How to prune golden globe arborvitae

Early spring just before new growth emerges, or after the first flush of growth in early summer. Lightly clip only the outermost green growth to refine the rounded outline. Remove any dead or winter-damaged branches back to live green wood using clean hand shears.

Rarely; once a year at most to tidy occasional wayward shoots. Golden Globe Arborvitae is a naturally rounded dwarf that generally does not need pruning to maintain its globe shape. Minimal trimming of any shoots that break the rounded outline or removal of winter-damaged tips is all that is usually required. Avoid cutting into old brown wood, which will not re-sprout.

Lightly clip only the outermost green growth to refine the rounded outline. Remove any dead or winter-damaged branches back to live green wood using clean hand shears.