My cedar hedge is much too tall, about 10' and I want to cut it back to 7-8'
Last year I cut a portion down on one side of the house and killed about 10' of hedge. Now that portion has greenery at the top but the middle and bottom is "dead".
How much can I cut down at one time and when?
Can I cut some now before the weight of the snow bends it over?
Can I cut it more than once a year?
I am in the North East where it is already below freezing occasionally at night and 35-45 degrees in the daytime.
Thanks for any advice on how to proceed.

Reply to post by Lee Bartholomew, on November 19, 2000 at 17:46:53:

If it is arborvitae (northern white cedar "Thuja" sp.) there is no problem cutting it down two to three feet, dont use a power sgear, get some good hand pruners (bypass) and a handsaw. stasrt ant the tallest part of the hedge and take it down to where you feel it still looks good. then work across it evenly. On heave branches you may want to farther down into the plant. Use proper pruning techniqus, always prune to a lateral branch, dont't leave stubd.

It is best to jnot remove more then 25% of the plant in any growing season, though I have done more with young arb's in the past with no problem. If shearing arb's or yews heavily it is best to do it in early spring prior to first flush.

Timming wise now is ok, the reason that some recomend not pruning evegreens in fall is you may stimulate new growth. That is unlikely now.

Now if the the plants ar not arborvitae, then

Reply to post by JPS, on November 19, 2000 at 17:46:53:

I am interested in using coast redwoods as a dense and rapidly growing privacy hedge, and would like any advice on pruning/trimming that anyone might be able to give.

Thanks,
Richard