When to Prune

• Cedar pruning should be performed before the buds for the upcoming year's growth have formed in late summer. Avoid pruning after mid-July, as this will deplete the cedar's stored energy and make it susceptible to winter injury. Downsizing and topping can be done in early spring; plants in need of more manicuring can be trimmed multiple times throughout late spring and early summer.
  
  

Downsizing

• If a cedar is too large it can be pruned lightly in spring before new growth begins. Be wary about moving too much new growth. After pruning the cedar will probably appear somewhat unattractive and bare until it fills in again, a process that can take years.
  
  

Topping

• Reducing the height of a cedar is also known as topping. If too much is removed, the top of the plant may not fill in. Remove no more than a quarter of the tree's height. If the tree must be cut any shorter, stake some of the top branches into an upright position. The tree top will eventually fill in.
  
  

Shaping

• Cedars, as ornamental evergreens, are often pruned into certain shapes in order to better accent a landscape. Columnar cedars may require topping on their main trunks. Globe cedars will generally not fill in if they are heavily topped and must be pruned regularly to maintain a compact, dense look. Frequent, light pruning can give cedar a tidier and healthier appearance.
  
  

Considerations

• Remember to only remove some, not all of the green, current year's growth. Older stems are brown and will not re-sprout. Even slight trimming should be undertaken realizing that it may take years for the cedar to look full and attractive. Removing an entire limb may be necessary if the tree is injured or the branch is an obstruction but it may leave a gaping hole in the tree's canopy.