Aborvitae - Ask Extension
I have an arborvitae that has fallen over. It doesn't seem to be dead. What is the best way to save it?
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.
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.
Thank you for your response. I will work with others to achieve this with a 30ft tree.
Michael D. Hawes
HAWES AND ASSOCIATES, LLC
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HAWES AND ASSOCIATES, LLC
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From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Monday, July 29, 2024 9:24 AM
To: Michael David Hawes <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Aborvitae (#0148942)
Sent: Monday, July 29, 2024 9:24 AM
To: Michael David Hawes <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Aborvitae (#0148942)
You're welcome. Good Luck!!