Two mature Emerald cedars at a property in Montréal had begun to lose their compact shape. Each tree had multiple upright stems that were spreading apart under the weight of the foliage. Snow and ice during winter added further weight, making the separation more noticeable.
For this project, Arboris installed a dynamic cabling support system in each cedar to bring the stems closer together and improve the trees’ appearance. The work was completed without cutting a single branch.
Multiple Stems Spreading Apart
The concern involved two established Emerald cedars with several stems in each tree. As those stems spread outward, the trees developed a more open, uneven appearance.
The goal was to bring the stems back together while retaining the existing foliage. Rather than reshaping the cedars through pruning, our approach focused on supporting the stems that had moved apart.
Installing Dynamic Support in Each Cedar
Our team installed one dynamic cable around the group of stems in each tree. The system included a thick protective material at the contact points to help protect the bark.
The stems were carefully drawn back together, restoring a more compact outline. Each cedar received its own support, addressing the separation within that individual tree.
This approach allowed us to retain the branches and foliage while providing additional support to the grouped stems.
A Visible Improvement Without Pruning
The change in appearance was immediate. With the stems brought closer together, both cedars regained a more cohesive form.
The homeowner was delighted with the result, particularly because no branches had been removed. For these two trees, a targeted support intervention achieved the desired improvement while preserving their existing growth.
The before-and-after photographs show the difference between the spreading stems and the more compact shape following the work.
Discuss Your Cedar Care Needs With Arboris
If the stems of your cedars are spreading apart or their shape has changed, contact Arboris to discuss your concerns. Share photographs and your location so we can better understand the situation and discuss an appropriate assessment.
This Montréal project is one example of how support work can address a specific concern without pruning. The appropriate approach for another tree will depend on its condition and structure.