Trimming evergreen tree - Ask Extension
We have a very large evergreen tree in our front yard. It has lower branches that touch the ground and are rather sparse and droopy. It makes it ver...
Knowledgebase
Trimming evergreen tree #176509
Asked April 22, 2014, 4:29 PM EDT
We have a very large evergreen tree in our front yard. It has lower branches that touch the ground and are rather sparse and droopy. It makes it very difficult to clean underneath. We are wondering if it would be ok to trim off the bottom branches 4 or 5 feet up from the ground and if there are any precautions we would need to take if we did this. I will try to attach a photo. Thanks for your help.
Black Hawk County Iowa
Expert Response
Removing the lower limbs on an evergreen tree is a personal decision. Many people like the look of evergreens with branches down to the ground. Some individuals remove the lower limbs because they interfere with mowing or for other reasons.
Removing the lower limbs on the evergreen will not kill the tree. However, make sure that's really what you want. No new branches will develop in the area when the branches are removed. Cut the branches off at the trunk if you decide to remove the lower branches.
Removing the lower limbs on the evergreen will not kill the tree. However, make sure that's really what you want. No new branches will develop in the area when the branches are removed. Cut the branches off at the trunk if you decide to remove the lower branches.
