While arborvitae is generally easy to care for, during the first year after planting, it needs special attention to be sure the root ball does not dry out. How to Plant Arborvitae. You will find that they encompass several different species, are from the evergreen family and can grow to be anywhere from 3 to 7 feet. The eastern or American arborvitae is a medium-sized evergreen tree native to the United States. Water your newly planted plants as soon as possible after planting. That is quite the range! 3-12 weeks after planting, water every 2 to 3 days. As the season changes and the cooler weather comes in, just keep the soil moist, but not soaked. Undemanding and easy-care – Arborvitae is not a picky plant. How to Care for Your Spring Grove Arborvitae. They should be watered at planting time and at these intervals: 1-2 weeks after planting, water daily. During the first two weeks, deeply water young trees every day. In warmer climates, some shade is preferable. When establishing a new garden, it's unavoidable but there are a few things you can do to reduce its effects on your plants: Avoid disturbing the roots. This gives the arborvitae plenty of time to establish its roots and new growth before the winter. 3 … To the new home owner today, it is a quick hedge and a foundation planting to soften the corners of houses. In the fall, arborvitae and other conifers shed their oldest (innermost) needles. Loosen some of the roots in the root ball. I just planted 4-5 foot Arborvitaes in early May,, How often should i water them and how much? Proper watering is essential to bringing moisture and oxygen to your trees’ roots. In fact, staking young trees can do … Whether planted singly or in a stately hedge, Emerald Green arborvitae thrives with minimal care. Newly planted trees or shrubs require more frequent watering than established trees and shrubs. This is a series of shrubs and trees. These evergreens can be sheared lightly in early spring to improve the plants shape and increase density. These shrubs are very low maintenance and do not require pruning. Planting Them Being planted too deep can cause the roots to suffocate, while not being planted deep enough can overexpose the roots. Plant arborvitae in early spring for best results. Once established, Spring Grove Arborvitae plants are very hardy shrubs. Stakes that are left in place too long will prevent the tree from establishing a secure root system, developing the proper form and being able to withstand winds. The average size of the 'Green Giant' arborvitae is 40 to 50 feet tall with a 10 to 15 foot spread. thuja occidentalis Arborvitaes are among the most popular trees to plant because of their numerous benefits, including their fast growth, tall heights, and year-round green foliage. Arborvitae can handle compacted, wet soil, as well as highly alkaline conditions. Arborvitae will tolerate a moister soil than many evergreens, but they will "drown" if kept overly wet. Loose dirt allows the roots to establish a strong support for the shrub. Question. They will see about 3 hours of direct sun, the soil has good drainage and is on a slope. Tree Care Tips to Help Newly-Planted and Transplanted Trees Adapt and Thrive Despite the inherent excitement, there is always a bit of stress and strain when someone relocates to a new address. Arborvitae are conifer trees and seasonal needle drop is a normal, healthy thing that will happen to your trees. The Fire Chief Arborvitae is a slow grower. I just planted some 6' Arborvitae 'Smalgard' on the northeast side of my property. Plant shade loving things in the affected garden area and build some new raised beds out into the sun. Water your newly planted Arborvitae trees each day for 10 minutes in their first seasons during the hot weather. Sometimes a newly planted plant will wilt despite the soil and roots being wet. Plant the arborvitae in the hole so that the top edge of the root ball is level with the top of the hole. When we say Green Giant, we’re not referring to the Jolly Green Giant mascot associated with canned and frozen vegetables. Arborvitae are as easy care as they come. Consider planting plants that naturally repel pests in your yard near your arborvitae if the problem keeps coming back. Both of those issues can cause your arborvitae to turn brown. Annual spring care for Arborvitae. Another thing that can cause your arborvitae to die is to be eaten by moose, deer, or rabbits. Keep the fibrous, water-thirsty roots of lawn or weed grasses at least 2 feet away from all sides of the newly planted arborvitae. Propagation. Irreversible damage can occur if a newly planted arborvitae is not properly irrigated. Answer Save. I … I have an emerald arborvitae that is doing poorly. Green Giant arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata) is a fast-growing evergreen tree that can fulfill a number of purposes in yards, parks and landscapes. Some people recommend teasing out the roots, but only do this if the plant is pot bound (roots are circling in the pot). Arborvitae – Pruning, Winter Care and Fertilizing. After 12 weeks, water weekly until roots are established. Too much or too little water can lead to health problems in the arborvitae. How often should i water newly planted Arborvitae? Q: I have 36 arborvitae 6 feet tall that were planted by a landscape gardener nine weeks ago. The new trees should be protected with wrap for 2 winters; the thin-barked trees should be protected for 5 or more winters. Emerald green arborvitae, also called Thuja occidentalis “Smaragd”, is an evergreen Cypress tree that belongs to the Cupressaceae family. Just be sure that the site gets some sun and is large enough to accommodate the tree’s full size. I planted two of them about three years ago on each side of my front steps. Arborvitae is truly the “tree of life.” To the early Indians, and the first French explorers with whom they shared their knowledge of natural medicines, arborvitae meant vitamin C and a cure for scurvy. A new tree should be replanted at the same depth that it was previously. Plant Care 101: Thuja Green Giants. The plant should be wider at the base than the top, to allow light to reach the lower branches. Grasses rob the soil of moisture and nutrients, significantly reducing the amount of time needed for the shrub's roots to establish well … Drought. Often a new homeowner finds an overgrown arborvitae hedge out of proportion to the site that is very difficult to control. Generally, the idea for newly planted shrubs is to water more often at the very beginning and then decrease it gradually so that watering about every five days to once a week is usually enough. There is no rule of thumb for how often to water a new plant, but if most of the roots are in contact with the native soil and that seems wet, your plant should be fine until the soil dries. Thuja grows easily in … Arborvitae form a beautiful luxuriant green privacy fence, but need to be pruned regularly (every year or two from planting) to maintain a manageable size and shape. It grows up to amazing height of 55 to 60 m (180 to 200 ft). After the first or second growing season, the root system is established enough you can taper off the watering slightly. This ensures that the newly planted Arborvitae will … Arborvitae (Thuja) are one of the most versatile and attractive trees or shrubs found in the landscape.They are useful as hedge material, in pots or as interesting focal points for the garden. New arborvitae plants are turning brown; is water to blame? Most often, a newly-planted tree won’t need to be staked. Propagate in summer using fresh cuttings. They are bagworm and deer resistant, grow well in almost any soil, and bears up well under heavy snow and ice. The term arborvitae is a Latin term that means ‘tree of life’.This hardy plant is resistant to cold and is a great alternative for large evergreen trees. The tree is known for the fast rate of growth it exhibits and that it keeps most of its green color throughout the winter. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 8, this dependable conifer is prized for its narrow, pyramidal form and glossy emerald-green foliage. It does need watered once a week for the first year or two, especially during the hot summer months. Water is probably the most important element in caring for new trees and shrubs. Ripped Leaves or Chewed Twigs. Fire Chief Arborvitae Care. But, contrary to popular belief, staking a newly planted tree is often not necessary. It can be propagated from seeds, cuttings and air layering. Fall is generally the best time to plant an arborvitae since this minimizes heat stress. How much water do they need per week? Then, try to remove the pests as much as possible. Thuja plicata is also referred as giant or western arborvitae. But, if for some reason it does, be sure to remove the stakes after a year (two at the most). It should not be planted in full shade since this greatly reduces the density of the foliage. Once an arborvitae is established, you don’t need to do much to tend it. 2. Although the trees prefer deep soil with excellent drainage, they can grow happily in most kinds of soil. Plant 'Emerald Green' arborvitae in moderately moist, well-drained soil in a full sun to partial shade location. When we say Green Giant, we’re not referring to the Jolly Green Giant mascot associated with canned and frozen vegetables. Position for Growing Arborvitae. Planting an arborvitae hedge provides security and a beautiful screen. Newly planted trees are under stress due to their new environment, so they’ll need extra love and care! Dig the planting hole 2 to 3 times as wide and as deep as the root ball. These tall trees make good windbreaks when planted in a tight formation. Starting a regular plant maintenance and inspection program to head-off problems early, and providing good after-care will help maintain the health and vigor of your newly planted trees and shrubs. This easy to grow evergreen comes in a wide variety of sizes and colors, providing a solution for almost any landscape situation. Will they require consistent watering through the summer? Transplant shock occurs when you change a plant's growing situation. After all, planting a tree is an investment in the value of your property and you want to ensure that it lives a long and healthy life. We’re referring to the Thuja Green Giants. Back-fill with soil around the root ball, tamping down with your hands. Here are a few guidelines to properly grow and care for your Emerald Green Arborvitae. Drought-like conditions are another cause of arborvitae turning brown. This is a low-maintenance tree once established and can be used as a hedge, screen or alone as an accent tree. ..My tree guy tells me 4 gallons per 2 days for the first year until they get estalblsihed. Early spring is the best time to plant arborvitae because the ground will have warmed and thawed enough to be easily worked with hand tools and receive the plant. An arborvitae is something worth considering. Newly planted arborvitae trees need approximately 20 to 30 gallons of water a week, which equates to 1 to 2” of rainfall. Once established, the plant … If you chose an arborvitae for your privacy hedge, like me, it’s easy-peasy from year to year. 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