Pruning 30-Year-Old Overgrown Cedar Hedges Around a Pool

Don't Shear—Limb Up Instead

"Cedar" usually means arborvitae, Juniperus virginiana, or Chamaecyparis. None regrow from bare wood. Shearing browns the face permanently.

Correct Method: Limbing Up

1. Remove lower branches back to trunk (leave 1-in stub).
2. Can limb up ¼ of total height (e.g., 3 ft on 12-ft hedge).
3. Yearly, remove another tier or two.

Result

Clear deck space, retain green top, avoid brown holes. Only alternative is full removal.