When to prune thuja? Enjoy a thick and luscious hedge

A beautiful, dense thuja hedge is the dream of many gardeners. However, caring for these elegant conifers requires appropriate knowledge and skills. The key to success is proper pruning of thujas - a procedure that not only gives them the desired shape, but also stimulates their vigorous growth. In this article, we will discover when to prune thujas and how to enjoy a healthy, stunning hedge for years.

Why is pruning thuja necessary?

Regular pruning of thuja is an essential part of the care of these plants. This treatment brings a number of benefits:

Pruning stimulates thujas to grow more intensively to the sides, creating lush, dense forms. Without this treatment, the plants can only grow upwards, remaining narrow and sparse.

Skillful pruning allows you to give the thujas fancy, aesthetic shapes - from geometric shapes to organic, natural forms. Thanks to this, the hedge gains a unique character.

Cutting off older, woody shoots stimulates thujas to produce new, fresh growth. This prevents premature aging of plants.

Pruning the upper parts of the thuja and gently trimming the side branches stimulates the development of shoots in the lower parts of the bushes, ensuring the effect of a dense, compact hedge.

When to prune thujas ?

There are strict time frames within which thuja pruning should be carried out. The optimal period is:

Spring and early summer

The best time to prune thuja is spring or early summer, preferably between March and June. At this time, the plants are in the active growth phase and pruning does not cause them excessive stress.

Avoid late summer and fall

Avoid pruning thuja in late summer or autumn. During this period, plants are preparing for winter rest, and cutting wounds may not have time to heal before the cold weather arrives, which could lead to their damage or even death.

Cutting frequency

The optimal frequency of cutting thuja is 2-3 times a year:

• first spring cutting: March-April,
• second summer cut: June,
• third summer cut: July-August.

How to prune thuja ?

To achieve the desired effect of dense, well-groomed thuja, you should use several proven cutting techniques:

Apex shortening

Start by cutting off the top of the thuja at a height of 10-15 cm from the top. This treatment will cause the plant to sprout more side shoots below, creating a denser structure.

Pruning side shoots

Then gently cut the side shoots of the thuja, shortening them by 1-2 cm. This treatment will stimulate the plants to grow sideways more intensively.

Removing growing tops

Thujas often develop additional, smaller tops at the height of the trunk. It is also worth pruning them in the same way as the main shoot. This will cause the plant to grow evenly and densely.

Remember the tools

For precise cutting of thuja, it is best to use sharp, disinfected scissors or pruner. This will ensure a clean, straight cut, without abrasion or splitting of the shoots.

Mistakes to avoid

Pruning thuja is an art worth mastering. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid:

1. Thuja should not be cut too low, as it may delay their regeneration by up to a year.
2. Pruning thuja in late summer or autumn may damage the plants.
3. Regular annual pruning is key to maintaining the thick, well-kept appearance of your hedge.
4. Thujas planted too close or too far apart will not be able to grow properly.

Thuja care - key factors

In order for thujas to grow lush and healthy, in addition to regular pruning, you should remember several other important aspects of their care:

Appropriate fertilization

Thujas require regular fertilization, especially in spring and summer, when they grow intensively. The best will be special fertilizers for thuja, rich in macro- and microelements.

Regular watering

Thujas like moist but well-drained soil. They should be watered regularly, especially during periods of drought.

Pest protection

Thujas may be exposed to attack by pests such as spider mites or spider mites. It is worth monitoring the plants and, if necessary, applying appropriate plant protection products.

Thuja Emerald - specifics of care

The thuja 'Szmaragd' variety is particularly popular due to its intense green color and compact, conical shape.

Early pruning

Emerald thujas should be pruned at a young age, preferably when they reach 50-60 cm in height. This will allow them to shape their final, regular form.

More frequent cutting

Emerald thujas require more frequent pruning, even 3-4 times a year, to maintain their compact, conical shape.

See the guide:

Avoiding dryness

This variety is sensitive to dryness, so it requires regular, abundant watering, especially during periods of drought.

Summary

A beautiful, dense thuja hedge is the result of systematic, professional care. The key to success is regular, careful pruning of these elegant conifers - both in spring and summer and throughout the growing season. Thanks to this, the thujas will grow luxuriantly, creating a compact, well-kept barrier that will not only decorate, but also protect your garden. Don't be afraid to experiment with different forms of pruning - they will give your hedge a unique character!