Hello,

It’s concerning to hear that your arborvitae didn’t fare well over the winter. Arborvitae are generally hardy but susceptible to winter burn, especially if the winter is harsher than usual. The browning could result from desiccation—when plants lose more water than they can absorb from the frozen ground. This is often exacerbated by wind and sun, which can dry out the foliage, leading to a brown, dead appearance.

Boxing with wood and burlap is a traditional method of protecting sensitive plants from winter elements. It helps shield the plants from cold winds and intense sun, which can be particularly damaging to evergreens like arborvitae. A layer of snow can insulate plants, but the foliage is exposed to the elements without it.

Given your extensive experience and success with these shrubs, it’s understandable that you’re questioning the need for such measures. It’s possible that the shrubs you purchased were not as hardy as those you’ve had before or that environmental conditions were more severe this past winter.

It might be worth considering if the supplier offers to replace them without a warranty, especially if the damage is extensive. In the future, if you notice a frigid winter is forecasted, you might want to take some protective measures for the new plants until they’re well-established. Meanwhile, lightly inspect the stems for signs of life by scratching the bark. If it’s green underneath, the plant may recover with proper care and pruning of the dead material.

You said you were going to send images, but I have not received them yet. When I do, I will follow up. THANK YOU!

I hope this helps!

On Thursday, June 27, 2024, 2:10 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: