It sounds like it will be the safest for the protection of my property.

Feb 14, First cut into the trunk just above the highest branch you want to retain. Place the chainsaw against the side of the tree toward which you want the top to fall. Make a horizontal cut into the tree.

Prune the trees annually to remove dead branches or branches that are rubbing against each other.

Stop cutting when you're about 1/4 to 1/3 of the way through the tree's diameter. Apr 02, Remove the weak leader at the point where it connects to the main stem. Sterilize the cutting tool before using it to prevent the spread of pathogens. Another time to start cutting back cedar trees is when you see damaged or dead branches. Prune out dead wood with sterilized clippers.

No, topping is not an acceptable practice for all the reasons you mentioned.

Maintain your topped cedar tree by pruning your cedar one to three times a year during mid-June to mid-July. If you cut after this, you will destroy the next year's growth, since the buds have already begun to form. Remove the brown leaves, but don't remove too many of the green leaves.

This will keep your tree shaped and from growing too tall. Nov 07, I would suggest you remove at least the tallest new top on the cedar back to the topping cut or just above it. It will have a weak attachment to the Estimated Reading Time: 8 mins.