We have a weeping Alaskan Blue Cedar in the back yard and it's 30' tall and branches out beautifully. I'm wondering if and/or how it can be pruned; on top and/or on the branches. I especially would like to make the branches shorter so that my garden on both sides of it gets more sunlight and get the needles from falling on our patio roof. The tree also sheds usually twice during the summer; the fronds turn brown and fall. is this typical for this tree or is something causing this.
That's a Nootka Cypress (Cupressus nootkatensis, formerly Chamaecyparis nootkatensis), not a cedar (Cedrus). Difficult to prune; removing any of those large low branches would give the tree a very ugly appearance with huge scars on the trunk, and big gaps in the crown which wouldn't ever fill in. Yes, the shedding is normal.
Some weeping Alaska cedars sold here as a 'Glauca Pendula' cultivar, that may be where the blue comes into it. These appear only slightly more blue than other forms sold as 'Pendula'. Some stock looks like it could be called either, but there has probably been some mixing of them in nurseries. Shorten side branches by following back to a fork, cutting there. Do not go back farther in than where foliage is already present. Look for places to cut where there is a secondary branch arching over the potential point of cutting, that can be preserved by taking care when cutting, left to drape over the new cut and hide it.
thank you for the reply. I am actually talking about trimming the branches that are about half up the tree where they cover some of the patio. I don't want to cut the beautiful large branches at the base of the tree. I have an article I printed from the internet several years ago when doing research on the name. It does refer the tree to 'Chamaecyparis nootkatenis Glauca Penedular'. it also says 'it's not a true cedar and some people call it a Nootka Falsecypress, since it's not a cypress either.' most of the trees I see in the area are tall and slender unlike mine that has this very large trunk and the branches reach out much wider than most. again thanks!
As it currently stands, the artist formerly known as Cupressus nootkatensis, and Chamaecyparis nootkatensis is now identified as Callitropsis nootkatensis. Pruning this particular species is not difficult -- maintaining its unique presence and structure while pruning for other objectives than the tree's health (yet minimizing stress on the tree) is quite difficult. Can it be done? Yes. A qualified climbing arborist is your best bet. How is it done? By carefully examining the branching structure and making careful decisions on what could be described as density reduction. Limbs are selected and removed in congested areas while maintaining a balanced crown. To be done properly and not draw your eye, this can only be achieved by a climbing Arborist experienced with the species. Tip reductions (via pole pruner or saw) alone are a very short term solution, and often deliver disappointment aesthetically.
