
Do arborvitae need full sun?
Emerald Green Arborvitae thrive in full sun but can grow in partial shade as well. Too much shade will lead to sparse growth. To flourish, these trees need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Temperature Emerald Green Arborvitae fare better in dry, cool climates. If the air is too humid, they may be susceptible to a fungal disease.
How much does it cost to plant arborvitae?
The cost of an arborvitae depends on the size, height, age, where you purchase it and geographical location. On average, the cost of a typical three to five-foot arborvitae can cost anywhere from $35 to as much as $55. As with any tree or plant, the larger it gets, the more it is going to cost.
How to save an arborvitae?
Things you can do to mitigate the damage done without having to hire a professional:
- Deer fencing/netting which forms a physical barrier to the susceptible plants
- Repellents
- Planting more deer resistant trees, shrubs and plants
Can arborvitae recover from Browning?
When arborvitae turn brown, there's little chance they'll recover. I have a row of arborvitaes that all have the same area dying or dead along the ground and the same side on each of them. I believe it is related to overspray from having our grass treated.

How tall does an arborvitae tree grow?
There are many varieties, some growing over 40-feet tall. There are things you can do that may damage the arborvitae, however, so it is important that you are careful as you plant, grow and maintain your plants and trees.
How to keep arborvitae trees from breaking?
Heavy snow and built up ice can be very damaging to your arborvitae trees. Make sure you maintain your trees during that time by knocking the snow off the branches and allowing the trees to stay upright. This will prevent disease caused by cold and keep your tree's branches from breaking.
Why do arborvitae grow so close together?
Planting them too close together will prevent them from growing as they should because they will all be competing for the same minerals and nutrients in the soil. Check your variety of arborvitae to see how far apart they should be placed and make sure that you follow those steps to keep them healthy.
When to use mesh for arborvitae?
Consider purchasing a mesh to go over your arborvitae during the autumn and winter. Not only will this help the snow fall to the ground, but it will also protect your tree from foraging animals. Rachel suggests, "Heavy duty multi-strand mesh offers the most protection for your arborvitae and even offers UV protection.
Do you have to water arborvitae in the first season?
New trees need to be watered deeply for the entire first season after planting. Sprinklers never work as well as a deep soak.
Can arborvitae grow in any climate?
Planting the Wrong Variety. Although most arborvitae will grow in any climate, certain varieties grow better in each zone. When you are purchasing your arborvitae, research the climate zones where it will flourish. This will make your arborvitae care much simpler and the tree will require less maintenance.
Can arborvitae be planted in full sun?
Rachel advises, "Arborvitae can be planted in full sun or partial shade and can grow in most soil types, though they prefer slightly acidic soil.".
How to keep arborvitaes moist?
Keep the soil consistently moist the first growing season. Don’t let the soil dry out but be careful not to over-water. Established arborvitae will require extra water only during prolonged periods of drought. Use stakes for support as newly planted arborvitaes are vulnerable to wind.
How to plant arborvitae in a hole?
How to Plant Arborvitae. Dig the planting hole 2 to 3 times as wide and as deep as the root ball. Loosen some of the roots in the root ball. Plant the arborvitae in the hole so that the top edge of the root ball is level with the top of the hole. Back-fill with soil around the root ball, tamping down with your hands.
What is an arborvitae tree?
Arborvitae are a popular and attractive evergreen tree that are commonly used in landscaping. Here’s how to plant, grow, and prune arborvitae in your home garden!
How tall is the American arborvitae?
The American arborvitae is a tall, dense, broad-pyramidal evergreen. This native tree can reach heights of 40’ to 60’. Choose plants with strong central stem to avoid damage from wind, snow or ice. ‘Brandon’ is a conical evergreen that can reach a height of 15’ and a width of 8’.
What are the names of arborvitae?
Other names for arborvitae include northern white-cedar, eastern white-cedar, and swamp-cedar.
Why use stakes for arborvitae?
Use stakes for support as newly planted arborvitaes are vulnerable to wind.
How to grow a sand moss plant?
Fill a small pot with organic soil mix or a mixture of sand and peat moss. Stick the cutting into rooting hormone and then into the pot. Water and cover the pot with a plastic dome or clear plastic wrap. Place the pot in a location with filtered light. Water if soil gets dry .

Ignoring Weather Conditions While Planting
Pruning During The Wrong Season
- Although arborvitae generally will not need to be pruned, you may need to cut back the branches from time to time. Avoid pruning in any season but spring. Pruning your tree in spring allows it to fully heal and continue its growth without damage caused by heat, extreme cold, or insects. Rachel notes, "Keep in mind that trees pruned on the top will be thicker and bushier. Trees that a…
Planting The Wrong Variety
- Although most arborvitae will grow in any climate, certain varieties grow better in each zone. When you are purchasing your arborvitae, research the climate zones where it will flourish. This will make your arborvitae care much simpler and the tree will require less maintenance.
Spacing Improperly
- Although arborvitae, when grown next to each other, make a good hedge or fence, make sure they are properly spaced apart. Planting them too close together will prevent them from growing as they should because they will all be competing for the same minerals and nutrients in the soil. Check your variety of arborvitae to see how far apart they should be placed and make sure that y…
Forgetting Winter Care
- Heavy snow and built up ice can be very damaging to your arborvitae trees. Make sure you maintain your trees during that time by knocking the snow off the branches and allowing the trees to stay upright. This will prevent disease caused by cold and keep your tree's branches from breaking. Consider purchasing a mesh to go over your arborvitae during the autumn and winter. …
Forgetting to Water in The First Season
- Since arborvitae are so green, many people forget to water their newly planted trees. New trees need to be watered deeply for the entire first season after planting. Sprinklers never work as well as a deep soak. The best way to achieve this is simply to turn your hose on and leave the open end at the base of your tree for 10 minutes every few days in the hot summer. If you wait until th…