Arborvitae (Thuja) is one of the landscape’s most useful and beautiful trees and shrubs. Plants like these can be used in a variety of ways around the garden, from hedges to pots to interesting focal points. Arborvitae hedges provide both privacy and security.
With a wide range of sizes and colors, this low-maintenance evergreen can fit into nearly any landscape. Arborvitaes are easy to grow and care for if you follow a few simple guidelines, so here are a few.
Arborvitae is a tree
Thuja occidentalis (American arborvitae), a hardy, native evergreen with a narrow pyramid shape, is a stunning specimen. When planted in rows, it is a natural choice for privacy hedges and windbreaks. Accent plants and foundation plantings benefit greatly from dwarf and miniature varieties. Color and texture are added benefits of arborvitae. Because of its low maintenance requirements, this is a fun plant to grow.
Arborvitae Planting and Care
For best results, Arborvitae prefers well-drained soil in full or partial sun. It’s hardy to USDA Zone 3 for arborvitaes to thrive in most areas of the United States. Arborvitaes prefer well-drained soil, so check drainage before you plant one. If your soil is too wet, add grit to a depth of 8 inches (20.5 cm).
The pH range for Arborvitae soil should be between 6.0 and 8.0, with plenty of incorporated organic matter to improve soil structure and nutrient levels.
Arborvitae Emerald Green: How to Take Care of It
There are a number of different ways you can use this cultivar, which is also known as ‘Smaragd’ because it was originally developed in Denmark (Smarag is the Danish word for “emerald”).
It is recommended to plant emerald arborvitae under full sun or partial shade in soil that is moderately moist but well-drained (in warmer climates, some shade is preferable). If you’re creating a privacy fence or screen, space your trees 3 to 4 feet apart. It is important to remove snow from the branches after a heavy snowfall, as this can cause them to break, and the plants may need to be staked while they recover.
Light
Arborvitae with emerald green foliage can be grown in either full sun or light shade. As a general rule, they require at least six hours of sunlight per day, but too much exposure to direct sunlight can be damaging to them. These plants should, however, not be planted completely in the shade, as this can reduce their density of foliage.
Soil
It is best to plant arborvitae in soil with a neutral to alkaline pH level that is moist but well-drained. Because these shrubs dislike having their roots drenched in wet soil, it is important to cover the root zone with a thick layer of compost or mulch every year.
Water
For the first few months after planting, you’ll need to water your arborvitae twice a week, then once a week for the next year or so. Make sure it receives about a half-inch of water each week once it is well-established.
Humidity and Temperature
Emerald green arborvitae thrives in cooler, drier climates, such as those found in the northern United States. Mold and fungus can thrive in humid conditions. For better air circulation, space your trees at least 3-4 feet apart to help prevent this. Do not venture into windy areas, especially in the winter.
Fertilizer
In most cases, arborvitae plants do not require fertilization. A balanced fertilizer containing all the major nutrients should be applied if new growth is sparse or slow.
Pruning Arborvitae in Emerald Green
Pruning your arborvitae in the early spring, if desired, can help it stay tidy and encourage thicker growth. Trim the branch’s foliage, but don’t go all the way down to the bare wood. In order to avoid decay and improve air circulation, it is necessary to remove any dead or diseased branches.
You can also prune your shrub to keep its natural shape, which is wider at the bottom and tapered inwards toward the top. Spiral topiaries can be created by pruning the shape into spirals.
Plant Diseases and Pests
Trees like arborvitaes are rarely plagued by pests or diseases. Arborvitaes may be targeted by bagworms. Handpick the egg bags and destroy them before the insects hatch to keep them under control. Trees can also be damaged by spider mites.
Fungi can cause needle and twig blight on the plant, especially if there is a lack of air circulation. Pruning all affected branches and applying a fungicide will help control the blight.
Stem canker, a serious fungal disease that causes lesions, sores, and sticky oozing resin from the trunk or branches, is something to keep an eye out for.. Remove the branches that are infected. The tree may not be able to survive if its trunk is damaged.
FAQ
Is it simple to maintain an emerald green arborvitae in the garden?
They are extremely low-maintenance and require little to no effort on the part of the owner.
Do emerald green arborvitaes grow at a rapid rate?
When they are young, these slender trees grow at a rate of one to two feet per year. In order to reach its full height, the tree’s growth rate slows to about 6 inches per year as it matures.
How long can an emerald-green arborvitae live for?
From 25 to 150 years, the life expectancy of emerald green arborvitae varies.
