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Arborvitae #946661

Asked October 07, 2026, 11:19 AM EDT

I purchased two arborvitaes in early summer and planted within 10 feet of each other. One is green and the other is turning brown. I have tried to water sufficiently with the dry weather. Please provide your thoughts and what corrective measures to take. Thanks.

Carver County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thanks for the question. The brown one is likely dead unless you see some green on it. If you scrape a branch and there is green inner bark, it is still alive. If no green and the twig branches are brittle and snap when you bend, it is dead. If there is green, it very likely could grow next summer.

If you purchased with a guarantee and the tree is dead, return it before the guarantee is expired.

Paul -Tree Care Advisor volunteer

An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 07, 2026, 3:13 PM EDT

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