Cedar Tree Pruning: Getting the Timing Right

Expert insight into the best time to prune a cedar tree; why cedar tree pruning is important, and how to identify common cedar tree diseases.

You should not prune a cedar tree very often at all

But please read on for detailed care information for your cedar

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Cedar trees are evergreen conifers from the pine family. They are native to the Lebanon, eastern parts of the Mediterranean and areas of Asia, but are quite prevalent these days in the UK.

Of the Latin Cedrus Libani, the cedar tree produces wood that acts as a natural insect repellent where it grows as a native species.

Cedar trees grow to around 35 metres in height with a spread of more than 8 metres and they are characterised by multiple trunks and very distinctive horizontal layers.

Why prune a cedar tree?

The cedar tree makes an impactful architectural tree due to its striking appearance, and the fact it is low maintenance makes it all the more attractive for owners of public grounds and attractions where this tree is often put to good use.

Generally the cedar tree requires no pruning at all, or at least very little, and in fact many experts will suggest the tree is left well alone. Providing it has been planted in a location where it has ample space to reach its potential, it should not cause any issues with crowding other plants or interfering with buildings or the like.

If however a situation arises where a cedar tree does need to be pruned, such as to reduce space crowding or for safety reasons, i.e. to remove dead or damaged branches, then you should proceed with incredible caution.

Care with cedar tree pruning

The cedar tree, despite its potential size, does not take very well at all to pruning of any kind. Go too deeply into the branches, and you will likely kill the tree.

The main issue is that within the middle section of the canopy, there is a ‘dead zone’. Because the new growth is so dense, it blocks the sunlight from the older growth which means it doesn’t get any light, and so it dies. You may not realise it, but the new outer growth of your cedar tree in actual fact does not extend very deep into the tree. This makes it easy to accidentally cut right back into the dead zone. If you do this, the branches will not regrow.

When is the best time for cedar tree pruning?

Basically you should not prune a cedar tree very often at all. It is a common misconception that because it is an ornamental tree, the cedar will need pruning during its formative years in order to establish an elegant shape and healthy framework. However, this is definitely not the case with this particular tree as its characteristic shape is achieved through natural growth.

There may be occasions however when cedar tree pruning becomes necessary. You may have a young cedar tree for example that has developed two leaders. If you want your cedar tree to be as strong as possible, then ideally it will have just the one leader, so it is often a good idea to remove the weaker one. This should be done in early spring.

Another situation where cedar tree pruning may be necessary is when you need to remove damaged or dead branches. This can be done at any time as it will obviously be an urgent requirement.

If your cedar tree has grown beyond where you imagined, or you have inherited a cedar tree that is outgrowing its boundary, some pruning is going to be required. However, this must be done with absolute caution and a very particular process on a branch by branch basis will need to be followed so that the tree is not pruned into its dead zone.

Pruning to maintain size and shape should only be carried out in the tree’s dormant period, i.e. late winter to early spring.

What to look for when pruning a cedar tree

Cedar trees are not prone to as many pests and diseases as some other trees. Aphids are sometimes an issue, as is honey fungus. Look out for decaying roots, white fungus between the wood and the bark and rhizomorphs which are usually a sign of this disease.

Tree Preservation Orders

Never get started with any tree work without first finding out whether there is a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) in place. If so, permission must be sought for the works which can mean a delay of up to eight weeks whilst you wait for it to transpire. What’s more, if the tree is sited in a conservation area, permission must be obtained before commencing works of any nature.

The importance of cedar tree pruning expertise

It cannot be stressed enough the risks associated with pruning a cedar tree. If you value your cedar tree then you really should invest in engaging professional expertise in taking care of the tree if you do need to prune it.

A qualified tree surgeon will be aware of exactly how and when to prune your cedar tree. They will work safely to remove any dead wood without damaging the tree, and will be able to spot any signs of disease, pest infestation or decay in good time so that the tree has the best possible chance of survival.

If you have a cedar tree on your land that may need pruning, why not talk to T.H. Tree Services? As fully qualified and highly experienced tree surgeons with checkable references and local authority and Trading Standards approval, we are able to offer specialist know-how and expertise in all aspects of cedar tree pruning. For a free, no-obligation quotation, give us a call on 01268 642814 or get in touch here.