- 1). Cut out all dead or diseased wood, cutting as far back as possible. Wear eye protection and gloves when trimming.
- 2). Identify new growth (green) and old growth (brown). Use shears or saw to cut only as much of the green growth as necessary to shape the tree. At least 1 inch of green growth must be left on EVERY branch that is cut. If all green growth is trimmed out, that branch will likely die.
- 3). Cut away branches growing straight down and branches growing sideways through the crown of the tree. This will open the crown to light and additional air circulation.
- 4). Cut no more than 1/4 of the tree's height when topping a cedar. After removing no more than 1/4 of the trunk, carefully trim branches, being careful to leave at least one inch of green growth on the end of each remaining branch.
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