Eastern Red Cedar Bonsai Pruning
Leave the lowest branches the longest and gradually shorten the length of branches as you move towards the top of the tree.
Eastern red cedar bonsai pruning. Do not remove more than 6 to 12 inches of green growth as the external layer of leaves are the greenest and your tree may look bare for a long time. The pruning needed to maintain a smaller size may result in less appealing shape and appearance. Firm the surface of the soil in the pot and spread a 1 2 inch layer of sphagnum moss over the surface. Remove the weak leader at the point where it connects to the main stem.
Use pruning shears to snip the tips of any lateral roots that twine around the root ball. Reduce the roots gradually removing no more than one third of the roots at each repotting. Eastern red cedar trees have a natural shape that needs no improvement. Eastern red cedars tend to grow in an uneven sloppy pyramid shape.
Eastern redcedar juniperus virginiana is not a true cedar but is a variety that can be pruned. As such it is important that you do not trim too much at a time. These cold hardy adaptable evergreen trees serve many purposes in the landscape especially in sites that are dry alkaline or windy. Another time to start cutting back cedar trees is when you see damaged or dead branches.
Stand back 50 feet from tree to get an idea of where to trim and how much. How to prune an eastern red cedar. Sterilize the cutting tool before using it to prevent the spread of pathogens. The eastern red cedar is not technically a cedar tree at all.
Cut the lowest branches first then branches that restrict access to larger branches. It is a juniper. Prune out dead wood with sterilized clippers. Because they are quite salt tolerant they can be used near roads driveways and sidewalks.
Eastern red cedar is native to north america. Transfer the cedar to the bonsai pot planting it in coarse well drained soil with a high sand content.