Arborvitae come from theThugagenus, and ‘Emerald Green’ is one of the more popular arborvitae cultivars.
They grow fast up to 20 feet tall.
They can withstand cold temperatures and rarely have problems with pests and diseases.
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These trees are best planted in the fall when they will experience minimal heat stress.
Occasionally, this plant is pruned to form spiraltopiaries.
The tree is toxic to humans and animals.Read on for our care guide.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Defining Arborvitae
Arborvitae are trees in the cypress family that are often used for hedges.
Western arborvitae(Thuja plicata)is native to the western U.S.
The western pop in is bigger and grows more quickly.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
They are deer resistant but are not as cold-hardy.
Light
Emerald green arborvitae should be grown in full sun or partial shade.
Soil
Plant arborvitae in moist but well-drained soil with a neutral to alkaline pH level.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
These shrubs do not like to be continuously doused in water so that their roots sit in soggy soil.
Instead apply a heavy layer ofcompostor mulch over the root zone each year.
Keep to a regular watering schedule, and the mulch will help to preserve soil moisture.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Temperature and Humidity
Emerald green arborvitae does better in cooler, dryer climates.
In very humid conditions, fungal diseases can be a problem.
Avoid exposed, windy locations, especially in colder climates.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Fertilizer
Arborvitae plants normally do not need feeding.
For the amount to use, follow product label instructions.
Leave 3 to 4 feet between each tree if you are planting as aprivacy fence or screen.
Dead or diseased branches should be removed to prevent decay and improve air circulation.
Especially adventurous gardeners can even prune the shape to form spiral topiaries.
Overwintering
Arborvitae are cold-hardy but can benefit from extra winter care, especially when young.
Snow and ice can cause stem breakage.
Periods of drought, high wind, and plunging temperatures can cause drying out and browning.
Mulch can also keep the roots insulated and retain moisture in the ground.
To preserve the stems, tie them with twine.
Or, for even more protection against hungry deer, wrap it with burlap around a circle of stakes.
Burlap wraps are recommended if you live in zone 2.
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
Arborvitaes are rarely troubled by insect and disease problems.
To control blight, prune off all affected branches and treat them with a fungicide.
Remove the affected branches.
If the trunk is affected, the tree may not survive.
They are susceptible to browning when the temperatures suddenly plunge or lack water in winter.
Dropping Needles
Each year, arborvitae will drop their needles from the plant’s interior.
It may look like the entire plant is browning from the inside out.
This browning is natural and expected.
The needles may start to pile up along the interior stem or trunk of the plant.
Clean them out to prevent rot from spreading from the decomposing pile of needles.
These caterpillars eat leaves, create telltale “egg bags,” and leave bare branches in their wake.
Left alone, they can kill the plant.
To remedy the situation, remove all the bags.
If it’s a bad infestation, you might need a pesticide.
Neem oil is an organic pesticide alternative that will kill bagworm larvae.
You will need to prune off broken branches or stake until they recover.
They can also be prone to bagworms.
“Green Giant"arborvitaeis a faster growing tree, growing up to 3 feet per year.
Emerald green arborvitae is a more cold-hardy tree than the “Green Giant.”
The lifespan of emerald green arborvitae varies from 25 years up to 150 years.
University of California Agriculture, and Natural Resources.
Toxic Plants (by Common Name).Ucanr.edu.
Plants Toxic to Dogs List, Symptoms and Treatment.Dog-health-guide.org.
N.p., 2 Dec. 2020.
Elisabeth C. Miller Library: Gardening Answers Search Results for Plant Longevity.Washington.edu.
