Pruning Overgrown Arborvitae: Techniques and Alternatives

Arborvitae encroaching on a driveway with bare spots needs careful pruning—or possibly replacement with a better-suited plant.

Pruning Rules for Arborvitae

• Trim green growth only: Cuts into woody stems stay bare for years
• Shearing vs. trimming: Both tolerated, but shearing creates dense shell
• Timing: Any season (no true buds, growth points at tips)
• Best practice: Trim top leaders; cut back to plant center for natural form

Recovery Reality

Heavy pruning into woody areas creates long-term bare zones. New growth emerges only at green tips.

Alternative: Right Plant, Right Place

If the arborvitae fundamentally outgrows the 3-4 foot space, consider replacing with:

• Juniper 'Skyrocket' / 'Blue Arrow': Narrow columnar, 2-3 feet wide
• Holly 'Sky Pencil': Very narrow, 2 feet wide (spiny—consider traffic)
• Dwarf conifers: Many stay under 4 feet wide naturally
• Columnar deciduous: Hornbeam, beech (seasonal screening)

Pro Insight

A 20+ year old arborvitae pruned into tree form (limbed up) can be a beautiful specimen. But fighting genetics in a tight space creates ongoing maintenance.