Can I Prune Conifers - Pruning Coniferous Trees

We often have readers ask us “can I prune conifers?” Of course, you can! The trick is to make sure that you only do pruning of conifers when it is absolutely necessary. That's because conifers do not have latent buds like broadleaf trees do that will grow into a full branch after pruning.

1. How do you prune a coniferous tree?
2. Can you cut conifers right back?
3. When should you not cut conifers?
4. How long do coniferous trees live?
5. How do you shape a conifer into a spiral?
6. Will a brown conifer recover?
7. Why have my conifers gone brown?
8. What is the best time of year to trim conifers?
9. Do conifers have deep roots?
10. Do conifers die when cut down?
11. How do you reduce the height of a conifer hedge?
12. How do you look after conifers?
13. Can you cut the top off an evergreen tree?
14. Why do coniferous trees stay green?
15. Why are coniferous trees important?
16. Where can you find coniferous trees?
17. How do you shape evergreen trees?

How do you prune a coniferous tree?

In general, conifers should be pruned in late winter or early spring to encourage lush, healthy new branches and foliage in the spring. There is also less risk of fungal infections at this time of the year because the bark is more easily damaged while the trees are growing.

Can you cut conifers right back?

Most conifers will not regrow from old wood if you prune into this. However it is possible to trim the green foliage in the same way you would a hedge leaving a mossy green finish, just make sure you don't prune into the brown dead wood. ... Conifers may be pruned from spring to late summer.

When should you not cut conifers?

Thuja plicata conifers (western red cedar) should be pruned in spring and early autumn. Never trim any type of conifer hedge after August though, as this can lead to the development of bare patches. Also be sure to avoid trimming during spells of hot and dry weather, as this could lead to browning of the leaves.

How long do coniferous trees live?

Coniferous. Coniferous trees retain their foliage throughout the year and tend to have decent longevity. The Blue Spruce averages 150 years and can reach 350, while the White Pine has an average life span of 200 years but is capable of living up to 450 years.

How do you shape a conifer into a spiral?

1. Find a suitable conifer to shape – some are more awkward than others to cut and you might not be able to cut them into the shape you want.
2. Trim the conifer around the edges to make it look a bit neater before cutting into it.
3. Now stick your ball of string on top of the conifer.

Will a brown conifer recover?

The brown needles and shoots will be shed and behind them will come new growth. It may take a while, but your trees and hedges should be able to recover. Don't be tempted to prune it out or ask someone to do it for you. ... So if you prune them now, you could cut back too far and the plant will never recover.

Why have my conifers gone brown?

Conifers lose moisture through their needles in winter, causing them to dehydrate. This is normal and will not cause the tree any long-term damage. The lost water through the needles and the frozen, dry soil that does not provide moisture to the tree roots results in a few needles turning brown.

What is the best time of year to trim conifers?

Conifers should be cut only twice a year at different times. For example, pruning should be done in late winter or early spring when the trees are dormant whereas trimming should be performed in late summer or early autumn when conifers have shed their needles.

Do conifers have deep roots?

Although conifer roots are shallow, they spread up to seven times as wide as they mature. Seek professional guidance if you're unsure, it's important not to plant within root distance of drains, driveways or the foundations of a property. You should also avoid nearby utilities.

Do conifers die when cut down?

In their native habitat this is an adaptation to forest fires. If you do not want them to regrow act swiftly after felling. Conifers on the other hand never regrow. So if you cut down a Leyland hedge it will not regenerate from the base, however those resinous stumps will persist, taking many years to rot down.

How do you reduce the height of a conifer hedge?

Conifer hedges

1. Reduce the height by up to one-third in April.
2. Thin out the side branches, removing selected branches right back to the trunk but leaving the others intact. ...
3. Mulch and feed in spring to encourage vigorous re-growth.
4. Allow at least a full growing season for recovery.

How do you look after conifers?

Conifers are not heavy feeders and need only an annual application of a general, complete garden fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 16-8-8, or a top dressing of well-rotted manure. It is best to fertilize in the early spring before the plants break dormancy, or in late fall before the soil freezes.

Can you cut the top off an evergreen tree?

Cutting off the top of an evergreen tree is always risky, as it leaves a stubby top that may succumb to insect damage or internal decay. A smarter idea is to thin the branches, making the tree narrow at the top and fuller at the bottom so that all parts of the tree receive ample sunlight.

Why do coniferous trees stay green?

The tree's needles contain something called chlorophyll that gives them their green color. But the chlorophyll also has another important job. The chlorophyll absorbs sunlight which the tree can use to turn carbon dioxide from the air and water into sugars. It is these sugars that help the tree grow and stay green.

Why are coniferous trees important?

Ecological and economic importance

Conifer trees are important as carbon sinks, as the photosynthesis removes carbon from the atmosphere and their giant trunks can store immense amounts of carbon for hundreds if not thousands of years. Conifers provide important habitat and shelter for many animal species.

Where can you find coniferous trees?

One type of coniferous forest, the northern boreal forest, is found in 50° to 60°N latitudes. Another type, temperate coniferous forests, grows in lower latitudes of North America, Europe, and Asia, in the high elevations of mountains.

How do you shape evergreen trees?

Although spruces need very little pruning, bottom branches may die with age and can be removed. For a formal shape, prune new growth in the spring. Shear in late spring, after new growth has expanded. To reduce the size of a branch, cut back to a lateral branch or a visible dormant bud.