How to prune japanese cedar 'elegans'

Late spring to early summer, after the new growth extension hardens slightly. Shear or hand-prune the outer tips lightly — remove no more than one-third of the current year's growth. Work evenly around the plant to preserve its natural form. Do not cut back to bare, needle-free wood as regrowth is unreliable.

Annually or every other year for a maintained form; leave alone for a naturalistic shape. Cryptomeria japonica 'Elegans' is a feathery, soft-needled cultivar that tolerates light shearing well. Trim lightly in late spring after the new growth flush to maintain a tidy outline or encourage density. Avoid cutting into old bare wood, which does not regenerate. Hard renovation pruning is not appropriate for this cultivar.

Shear or hand-prune the outer tips lightly — remove no more than one-third of the current year's growth. Work evenly around the plant to preserve its natural form. Do not cut back to bare, needle-free wood as regrowth is unreliable.