How to prune lawson cypress

Late spring after the growth flush; a second light pass in late summer. For hedges, shear the outer surface with a slight batter (wider at base) to keep lower foliage in light. For specimen trees, hand-prune to the collar. Always cut within green, foliated wood — never into the bare brown interior.

Twice annually for hedges; every 2–3 years for specimen trees. Lawson Cypress tolerates clipping well and is widely used for formal hedges. Trim in late spring after the main flush of new growth, and again lightly in late summer. For specimen trees, prune minimally, removing only dead or crossing branches. Avoid cutting into old brown wood — it does not regenerate from bare stems, unlike yew or box.

For hedges, shear the outer surface with a slight batter (wider at base) to keep lower foliage in light. For specimen trees, hand-prune to the collar. Always cut within green, foliated wood — never into the bare brown interior.