How to prune totara

Late winter to early spring before new growth begins. Use clean, sharp loppers or pruning shears to remove dead or congested branches back to a healthy lateral. For hedge use, clip new growth lightly in late spring after the main flush; avoid cutting into old wood as recovery is slow.

Annually for dead-wood removal; hedge clipping once or twice per season as needed. Totara is a slow-growing New Zealand conifer that needs minimal pruning in garden settings. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain structure. It tolerates light clipping if used as a hedge. Left to grow naturally, its layered canopy form is best preserved with a light touch rather than heavy cutting.

Use clean, sharp loppers or pruning shears to remove dead or congested branches back to a healthy lateral. For hedge use, clip new growth lightly in late spring after the main flush; avoid cutting into old wood as recovery is slow.