How to prune western arborvitae zebrina

Late spring to early summer after the first flush of new growth. Use hedge shears or loppers to trim only green foliage, shaping the natural conical form. Avoid cutting into the dark, leafless interior. Remove dead or diseased branches back to live green wood at any time.

Once a year for light shaping; otherwise as needed for dead-wood removal. Western Arborvitae Zebrina (Thuja plicata 'Zebrina') is a large, fast-growing conifer with creamy yellow variegated foliage. Light shaping is possible in spring or early summer; it tolerates moderate trimming better than many conifers. Still, avoid cutting into old brown wood — it will not resprout. Mainly remove dead wood or shape lightly.

Use hedge shears or loppers to trim only green foliage, shaping the natural conical form. Avoid cutting into the dark, leafless interior. Remove dead or diseased branches back to live green wood at any time.