Arborvitae yellowing - Ask Extension
Hello
We are trying our second time planting emerald green arborvitaes for privacy.
The first time we tried the trees turned brown within a few...
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Arborvitae yellowing #867354
Asked May 06, 2024, 11:22 PM EDT
Hello
We are trying our second time planting emerald green arborvitaes for privacy.
The first time we tried the trees turned brown within a few months. We ended up pulling them last month. They were planted in Sep23. When pulling they come out very easily and some of the holes had sitting water, but this may have been due to rain the day before. All 8 trees died.
For this time we planted, and filled the hole with mainly native soil, a bit of fertilizer, and topsoil. We then mulched and gave a good watering.
We water maybe once or twice a week. When I water I use the garden hose for 2-4 minutes. The soil soaks in all the water and it does not pool.
We've noticed some of the leaves towards the bottom are turning yellow. We aren't sure if it's a watering issue, transplant shock, or something else. Other trees look fine for now. Any advice is welcomed and appreciated. Thank you.
Franklin County Ohio
Expert Response
Thank you for contacting us regarding your concerns. It is not uncommon to have yellowing or browning of evergreen foliage in winter, many times due to a combination of environmental factors known as "winter burn". These factors include wind, sun, freezing temperatures, and low water. Some browning in winter is normal for evergreens, and from your pictures it doesn't appear a large amount.
It looks like you have them planted now in a more raised elevation, so I would check to see if you are watering enough. Slow and deep is recommended when watering.
Below are some additional links and information that may help you assess any issues:
Arborvitae Diseases (psu.edu)
Winter Burn – Wisconsin Horticulture
Arborvitae stands tall as easy-care hedge | Oregon State
University
Ohio Plant Diagnostic Network | Ohio Department of Agriculture
It looks like you have them planted now in a more raised elevation, so I would check to see if you are watering enough. Slow and deep is recommended when watering.
Below are some additional links and information that may help you assess any issues:
Arborvitae Diseases (psu.edu)
Winter Burn – Wisconsin Horticulture
Arborvitae stands tall as easy-care hedge | Oregon State
University
Ohio Plant Diagnostic Network | Ohio Department of Agriculture
How much water should I give them and how often? I just use a garden hose for about a minute per tree every few days. Is that enough?
Thank you for contacting us with additional questions. Newly planted trees and shrubs do need more care until there roots are established. This varies based on size of the plant. Consistent water which is slow and will go deep is best. Here is an article from University of Minnesota that will give you more details: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/watering-newly-planted-trees-and-shrubs