Pruning guide
How to prune pencil pine
More pencil pine care
Pruning pencil pine — FAQ
When should I prune pencil pine?
Late winter, only if dead wood removal is necessary. Remove dead branches cleanly at the base using sterilised tools. Never shear, top, or attempt to shape this species — it does not respond well to cutting.
How often does pencil pine need pruning?
Rarely — essentially never under normal conditions. Pencil Pine (Athrotaxis cupressoides) is an extremely slow-growing, protected Tasmanian conifer. It requires no routine pruning. Its naturally upright, columnar form needs no shaping. Remove dead or damaged wood only if it appears. This is not a plant to prune for aesthetics — leave it alone and let it develop undisturbed.
How do you prune pencil pine?
Remove dead branches cleanly at the base using sterilised tools. Never shear, top, or attempt to shape this species — it does not respond well to cutting.