Trimming extremely overgrown thula / cypress hedge

[fr0zenpuck]

Hello Everyone,

I would like your help and advise. I live in Ottawa Canada and have neglected my backyard shrubs. They have not been trimmed in likely 10 years. They appear (based on photos) to be either Thula or Cyprus, I have attached a photo of the leaves for review.

I am looking to trim the shrubs down to just above the fence line, you will see this fence line in one of the attached photos. What is the best way to attempt this without harming the tree? Can I simply lop off the tops of the hedges or will this take multiple smaller steps?

Thanks for your help!

Bob

[HoneyBerry]

Are you sure that you want to do this? This type of tree is supposed to grow tall. I wish that I had what you have. I think they look great. They make a great screen and wind break. Birds and other creatures love them. I have some arborvitaes and love them. I can't imagine cutting them short.

[fr0zenpuck]

Thanks for the response Joy! I just assumed that the previous owner had not trimmed these. If they are designed to grow tall, I will certainly consider leaving them as is. Are you able to identify what type of tree/shrub this is? I was going from pictures on the net.

Thanks

Bob

[HoneyBerry]

One thing to consider is that these trees are expensive to buy full grown. It takes years for them to get tall like they are. I am somewhat of a naturalist and the shaggy look appeals to me. Some people prefer a more groomed look. I guess you could shape them tall rather than cutting them short. My neighbor has some like that. But how would you get up that high to shape them? You would need a bucket truck or hire a specialist to do it for you. That wouldn't be cheap. I hope that you leave them like they are. They are beautiful, in my nature-loving opinion. The birds and spiders will appreciate having them as habitat. They make a nice backdrop for something else, although they do produce some shade.

[rainbowgardener]

And evergreens like this generally do not take well to hard pruning and cutting back. If you cut the top off, it leaves a very flat and unsightly leader. No new growth will occur once the upward growing branch tips have been cut and it will stay ugly like that forever, if indeed it survives it.