Knowledgebase

Aborvitae #879024

Asked July 27, 2024, 3:18 PM EDT

I have an arborvitae that has fallen over. It doesn't seem to be dead. What is the best way to save it?

Oakland County Michigan

Expert Response

Good Morning,
It is possible that the trees can be restored to their old position but it may take a while and there is no guarantee it will work. You could gently pull the trees back up to their original position and support them there with guy wires. You may have to dig a wider hole to allow for the roots to settle and you will also have to keep the roots moist. If they dry out, they probably will not recover. Ensure that the rope will not cut into the bark of the tree which is quite soft. Place thick padding around the trunk and wrap a rope across it. Pull the tree upright into the hole that you have enlarged. Pack soil around the tree’s base and water the area well. Place nylon belting around the trunk. Put 6-foot stakes on opposite sides of the tree about two feet from the base. Wrap the belting around the tree and the stakes to support them. Mulch the area; keep the soil moist; the stakes may need to remain for a year. There are several YouTube videos on the internet demonstrating how to help the trees.
Read more here: https://www.arborday.org/media/stormrecovery/

A certified arborist can assess the tree. To find an arborist in your area, go to www.treesaregood.org the website of the International Society of Arboriculture.

I hope this helps.  Thanks for using our service.
V/r, Replied July 29, 2024, 9:24 AM EDT
Thank you for your response.  I will work with others to achieve this with a 30ft tree.

Michael

From: ask=<personal data hidden> on behalf of Ask Extension
Sent: Monday, July 29, 2024 9:24 AM
To:
Subject: Re: Aborvitae (#0148942)
 
The Question Asker Replied July 29, 2024, 11:05 AM EDT
You're welcome.  Good Luck!!
V/r, Replied July 30, 2024, 8:35 AM EDT
Hey Experts,

The Arborvitae sent in the picture fell down again this year with the intense storms of June.

I now have a hole in the group of trees that looks like a mouth with two missing front teeth.

Suggestions on what to fill it with?  I have a little 3 foot arborvitae that I placed to the left of the fallen tree.  4-5 foot tall ones cost over 100.00 but I'm afraid they will not survive the flood periods of each year.  Do you have any suggestions?


From: ask=<personal data hidden> on behalf of Ask Extension
Sent: Monday, July 29, 2024 9:24 AM
To: Michael 
Subject: Re: Aborvitae (#0148942)
 
The Question Asker Replied August 07, 2025, 1:40 PM EDT
Hello Michael,

Would  you please enter your replacement plants request,  and each new question in future, in a new question entry thread? This allows us to direct each question to one of our 50 experts best trained for that topic, and serve you better. 

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