Arborvitae hedge die off - Ask Extension
Along with fully dead, mire of our arborvitae hedge is dying or at best struggling. We'd like to know what best ti do now and in particular prevent an...
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Arborvitae hedge die off #879720
Asked August 01, 2024, 11:27 AM EDT
Along with fully dead, mire of our arborvitae hedge is dying or at best struggling. We'd like to know what best ti do now and in particular prevent any additional loss. Finally, what and how to replace thise we must remove.
Thank you!!
Marion County Oregon
Expert Response
Thanks for writing. Can you please tell me when did you first notice the die-off, and how much water do the arborvitae receive? With that information, I will be happy to try to help.
It gets regular water but not evenly on all trees and the soil around does not drain well. Die off began maybe two months ago
Dear Joel,
Thank you for sending the additional information. The trees appear to be 'Emerald Green' cedars or something similar. Unfortunately, they are a very finicky species and it is common to see a whole line of them die off at once.
Big box stores seem to sell these trees at affordable prices, but they require good drainage and regular, deep watering (1-inch of water per week) if they are to survive for long. Root problems are common and they are not drought-tolerant.
Removing a hedge could be undertaken in stages. Early autumn is an ideal time to start. Cut down and dig out a few cedars at a time. Get help if you can. Renovation of the soil left bare of cedars will be the most important stage of the project. It will need to be dug over and cleared of remaining roots and debris.
To improve your soil, dig in some quality compost (no more than 20 %) and add about 1-inch more on top surface each autumn. Protect the soil at all times with chopped leaves, straw, or landscapers wood chips. Plan to plant in late autumn or early spring.
There are many plants that might be suitable as replacements depending on the size you require and the amount of sun the area receives. Some drought-tolerant alternatives to consider include tall Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium), an attractive evergreen with sprays of yellow flowers in winter. Irish yew (Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata’) is also evergreen and grows tall and narrow. Mexican orange blossom (Choisya ternata) makes a fragrant evergreen hedge with flowers in early summer, however, it only grows 6 to 7 feet tall. Pacific wax myrtle (Morella californica) can grow much taller, but makes a good hedge if you have the space.
I suggest you speak with a reputable nursery about the options for your height and width requirements.
I hope this information is helpful. Please write again anytime you have a gardening question.
Thank you for sending the additional information. The trees appear to be 'Emerald Green' cedars or something similar. Unfortunately, they are a very finicky species and it is common to see a whole line of them die off at once.
Big box stores seem to sell these trees at affordable prices, but they require good drainage and regular, deep watering (1-inch of water per week) if they are to survive for long. Root problems are common and they are not drought-tolerant.
Removing a hedge could be undertaken in stages. Early autumn is an ideal time to start. Cut down and dig out a few cedars at a time. Get help if you can. Renovation of the soil left bare of cedars will be the most important stage of the project. It will need to be dug over and cleared of remaining roots and debris.
To improve your soil, dig in some quality compost (no more than 20 %) and add about 1-inch more on top surface each autumn. Protect the soil at all times with chopped leaves, straw, or landscapers wood chips. Plan to plant in late autumn or early spring.
There are many plants that might be suitable as replacements depending on the size you require and the amount of sun the area receives. Some drought-tolerant alternatives to consider include tall Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium), an attractive evergreen with sprays of yellow flowers in winter. Irish yew (Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata’) is also evergreen and grows tall and narrow. Mexican orange blossom (Choisya ternata) makes a fragrant evergreen hedge with flowers in early summer, however, it only grows 6 to 7 feet tall. Pacific wax myrtle (Morella californica) can grow much taller, but makes a good hedge if you have the space.
I suggest you speak with a reputable nursery about the options for your height and width requirements.
I hope this information is helpful. Please write again anytime you have a gardening question.
