Arbor vitae-bottom growth - Ask Extension
I planted arbor vitae two years ago. They were full and bushy when planted. Today, the bottoms have lost a lot of foliage and are beginning to brown. ...
Knowledgebase
Arbor vitae-bottom growth #179797
Asked May 07, 2014, 12:29 PM EDT
I planted arbor vitae two years ago. They were full and bushy when planted. Today, the bottoms have lost a lot of foliage and are beginning to brown. Is there a way to encourage growth at the bottom?
My soil has high clay content, which I know is not ideal. During the summer I use a drip irrigation for 30-40 minutes each day.
Please see attached photo.
Thank you in advance for your help!
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Here is information from other states that might be of help regarding the cause and remedy for the damage you mentioned:
The arborvitae have probably suffered winter damage. The brown leaves will not recover but adjacent living tissue (if any) may produce new leaves. The degree of recovery depends upon the extent of the damage which may not be obvious until late spring or early summer. Delay pruning until then. When (if) new growth develops you can cut off the dead leaves or branches. To reduce winter damage in the future, mulch the arborvitae and provide plenty of water, especially in the fall, Avoid pruning in late summer. If the problem persists provide winter protection. Here is a link to more information: http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG1411.html Protecting Trees and Shrubs Against Winter Damage Yes, you can remove the brown tissues in the spring.
For information on how to prune evergreens successfully, please see CSU Garden Notes #617 on pruning evergreens: http://www.ext.colostate.edu/mg/Gardennotes/617.html
It is best to cut the shrub to a side shoot that is growing. Cutting too far into the shrub will not stimulate new growth.
The arborvitae have probably suffered winter damage. The brown leaves will not recover but adjacent living tissue (if any) may produce new leaves. The degree of recovery depends upon the extent of the damage which may not be obvious until late spring or early summer. Delay pruning until then. When (if) new growth develops you can cut off the dead leaves or branches. To reduce winter damage in the future, mulch the arborvitae and provide plenty of water, especially in the fall, Avoid pruning in late summer. If the problem persists provide winter protection. Here is a link to more information: http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG1411.html Protecting Trees and Shrubs Against Winter Damage Yes, you can remove the brown tissues in the spring.
For information on how to prune evergreens successfully, please see CSU Garden Notes #617 on pruning evergreens: http://www.ext.colostate.edu/mg/Gardennotes/617.html
It is best to cut the shrub to a side shoot that is growing. Cutting too far into the shrub will not stimulate new growth.
Many Pines, Junipers, and Arborvitae in
the area are showing signs of winter desiccation. This is damage due to
the combination of dry air, low precipitation, and fluctuating
temperatures. As our snow cover did not last the entire winter, the
trees were more susceptible to having the surface roots dry out.
Additionally, the windy, warm winter days cause trees to require more
water. Although you may have watered the trees during the winter, if the
ground was frozen the roots would not have absorbed the water in
sufficient quantities to prevent the browning. It is not uncommon for
the damage to appear in early spring as the temperature increases. Keep
an eye on the trees and make sure you keep them watered. Wait before
pruning out any dead portions, you might get some new growth from those
areas. Below are the links to CSU fact sheets on this issue. Winter Desiccation in Trees: http://www.ext.colostate.edu/ptlk/2129.htmlWinter Browning of Evergreens: http://www.ext.colostate.edu/ptlk/2114.html
These resources should be of help to you.
These resources should be of help to you.
