Trimming yews, junipers, and arborvitae - Ask Extension
A master gardener months ago advised me to prune/trim my juniper, yew, and arborvitae plants in February. Can I do it this coming weekend? Warm temper...
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Trimming yews, junipers, and arborvitae #892763
Asked February 18, 2025, 12:58 PM EST
A master gardener months ago advised me to prune/trim my juniper, yew, and arborvitae plants in February. Can I do it this coming weekend? Warm temperatures are predicted for the succeeding days after such trimming. Will cold-warm-cold temps threaten the newly exposed twigs and branches? Should I go ahead and trim?
Sibley County Minnesota
Expert Response
The U of Mn advises: Arborvitae, junipers, yews, and hemlocks grow continuously throughout the growing season. They can be pruned any time through the middle of summer. Even though these plants will tolerate heavy shearing, their natural form is usually most desirable, so prune only to correct growth defects.Because of our extreme temperature fluctuations this year, it's likely best to wait to prune until late winter and early spring.
