How to prune rheingold arborvitae

Early spring before new growth begins, or early summer after the growth flush. Trim only the current season's green growth with hand shears to tighten the profile. Remove dead material back to live tissue. Avoid exposing the brown interior.

Rarely; tidy as needed, typically once a year at most. Rheingold Arborvitae is a slow-growing, broadly conical to rounded dwarf with rich golden foliage. It seldom needs pruning beyond removing dead or damaged growth. Light trimming of shoots that break the outline can be done in spring. As with all arborvitae, never cut into old bare wood as it will not regenerate.

Trim only the current season's green growth with hand shears to tighten the profile. Remove dead material back to live tissue. Avoid exposing the brown interior.