How to prune russian arborvitae

Late spring (April to May), after winter bronze color fades. Trim only new season's growth to contain spread, using sharp secateurs or shears. Remove broken or dead stems cleanly at their base. Avoid cutting back into old bare wood — Russian Arborvitae does not regenerate well from leafless stems.

Rarely; trim annually only if spread control is needed. Russian Arborvitae (Microbiota decussata) is a low, spreading groundcover conifer that rarely needs pruning. It holds a neat, feathery form naturally. Prune only to check spread or remove broken branches. Light selective trimming in late spring keeps it in bounds without damaging the soft, scale-like foliage or exposing bare interior stems.

Trim only new season's growth to contain spread, using sharp secateurs or shears. Remove broken or dead stems cleanly at their base. Avoid cutting back into old bare wood — Russian Arborvitae does not regenerate well from leafless stems.