Cutting thuja: timing & shape cutting

Thujen (also called trees of life) belong to the conifers. As hedges, they need to be trimmed regularly and properly. We have tips ready for you.

In this country they are in almost every garden and are particularly popular as a hedge and privacy screen to the neighbors or to the street - we are talking about Thujen or also called tree of life (Thuja). If conifers are not cut regularly, they can take on a larger volume than you would like. We show when and how to best cut thuja hedges and other conifers.

When to cut thuja and conifers?

Basically, it has proven useful to cut thuja hedges like most conifers in summer while the plant is growing. As a rule, one cut per year is sufficient. If necessary, a further care cut ensures a more well-groomed appearance. Ideally, pick a cloudy day as the freshly cut shoots will burn quickly in direct sunlight.

However, you should definitely note that heavier cuts are not permitted in the summer months due to nature conservation in Germany. In the following you will learn how to trim the hedge professionally.

These products are ideal for trimming your shrubs, hedges and trees:

• Felco secateurs: Manual lace pruning shears recommended for all types of pruning. In addition to plastic-coated handles, it has a precision adjustment system for the blade and anvil.
• Felco fruit tree and secateurs: Heavy duty fruit tree and secateurs with wire cutter, sap groove and micrometer adjustment.
• Gardena telescopic arm scissors: Practical pruning shears for effortless cutting of tall trees and dense shrubs from the ground.

Thuja hedge: how much to cut?

A special feature of conifers - and thus also of Thuja - is the property that plant growth only takes place at the tips of the shoots. It is therefore very important that only the younger and outer shoots are pruned and that you are careful. If a thuja hedge is cut too far so that the inside of the bush is exposed, new shoots will no longer grow at this point. You should therefore definitely refrain from cutting back down to the stick as with other hedges.

Cut thuja and conifers into shape

Thuja hedges and other conifers are particularly popular because of their great design ability and high opacity. Basically, they can be trimmed wonderfully on the sides, as long as you only work superficially and do not go too deep into the hedge. Ideally, cut the thuja so that it widens towards the bottom. In this way you guarantee a good supply of light to all parts of the plant. Cuts at the top of thujas are also possible. However, you should definitely pay attention to a certain minimum height, otherwise you can look into the upper end of the bush. Only after several months does the gap gradually close and should therefore not be at eye level for a beautiful appearance.

Cut thuja in a spiral

A popular shape for trees of life is a spiral that becomes more pointed towards the top. This works particularly well with thujas, as they grow very densely. For orientation, first place a string in a spiral over the plant. Now you can start from the top, cutting between the cord notches, which get smaller towards the bottom. For precise work, it is worth using a battery-powered saw or scissors instead of a chainsaw.

Cut the thuja into a ball

The cut to the ball is basically very simple and does not require much effort. Cut your thuja down so that the widest part is midway up the plant. Be careful not to cut away too much green at the top and bottom and be careful not to create a point.

Also at Fertilizing Thuja there is a lot to consider. You can find out more about this in our special article.