To help shape these trees into formal hedges or to encourage fullness, lightly trim back the outermost growth using hand pruners or hedge shears. These conifers get a flush of new growth after pruning, so the best time to give them a haircut is when they are not actively growing.

Can you topiary a conifer?

Conifer topiaries: cushions, cones and similar Most softwood species are easy to shape. Not only dwarf varieties and smaller plants, but also some taller trees such as Picea (spruce), Larix (larch), Thuja (tree of life), Pinus (Scots Pine) and many others can be formed into a variety of shapes.

How do you stop conifers from growing too tall?

The main leader of a conifer tree should not usually be pruned. However, if the tree grows a second leader, you can prune off the weaker of the two. You can also trim the branches back to neaten the conifer up, if necessary.