How to Stop an Evergreen From Growing
Evergreen trees tend to get fairly high in most cases, overpowering some smaller lawn areas. If you would like to have a certain evergreen tree but do not want it to go past a certain height, you can stop it, but it will require some maintenance to keep it under control. This is especially true on the sides, which will spread.
Wait until the tree has grown to the height that you would like to maintain. Use a ladder if necessary to reach the top with tree trimmers or loppers. Have someone hold the ladder for you. Loppers are short and generally used for things you are cutting within arm's length or just a bit farther, while tree trimmers can reach 10 feet or more.
- Evergreen trees tend to get fairly high in most cases, overpowering some smaller lawn areas.
- If you would like to have a certain evergreen tree but do not want it to go past a certain height, you can stop it, but it will require some maintenance to keep it under control.
Place the tree trimmer or loppers at the main lead stem coming out of the top of the tree. Set the tool about 1/2 foot from the top, and make the cut. To encourage new growth, you generally cut a stem at an angle. Since you do not want this, cut the stem straight across.
Trim the limbs below the top cut. Cut 3 or 4 inches off the limbs. Continue trimming more limbs below this first layer until you reach the bottom, removing 3 or 4 inches from each. This will ensure that the limbs keep a uniform look.
- Place the tree trimmer or loppers at the main lead stem coming out of the top of the tree.
- Continue trimming more limbs below this first layer until you reach the bottom, removing 3 or 4 inches from each.
Choose a trimmed limb from the top of the tree. Bend it up to form a new lead stem. Tie it to the stump of the original lead stem with twine to keep it up.
Spray or brush a sucker growth inhibitor onto the stub of the original lead stem to keep it from forming any forked growth. Trim the tree's new growth each year to keep it from spreading outward over time. Use the loppers or tree trimmers to make the cuts.
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Writer Bio
Tara Dooley has written for various websites since 2008. She has worked as an accountant, after-school director and retail manager in various locations. Dooley holds a Bachelor of Science in business management and finance.
