How do you prune a white cedar?

To prune a white cedar, mark damaged and diseased branches with fluorescent tape, cut them off, remove crossed branches, trim the buds, and taper the tree. The supplies you need for this 60-minute procedure are a ladder, fluorescent tape, a pole saw, a large garbage bag, a rag, rubbing alcohol, pruning shears and a hand saw.

1. Inspect and mark the tree

   Inspect the tree for damage and disease. Mark affected branches with fluorescent tape.

2. Remove damaged and diseased branches

   Remove damaged and diseased branches with a pole saw. Use an orchard ladder to reach high areas. After cutting diseased branches, sterilize your saw with a rag soaked in rubbing alcohol. Immediately put the diseased branches into a garbage bag. Do not let them touch the grass or other plants.

3. Snip crossed branches

   If your tree has tangled or crossed branches, remove the weakest in each pair with pruning shears or a hand saw. Dry, cracked bark is a major indicator of weakness.

4. Trim the tips

   Shape the tree and prevent overgrowth by trimming some of the new buds.

5. Taper the top

   Taper the top of the tree so that it is significantly narrower than the lowest branches.

6. Clean the blades

   When you are satisfied with the tree's appearance, clean all of your cutting equipment with a rag dipped in rubbing alcohol.