How to Plant Arborvitae Trees

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Arborvitae (thuja) trees are thick coniferous trees that can grow up to 200 feet (61 m) tall. They make gorgeous additions to any garden as hedges or natural fences between properties. Since there are many varieties of arborvitae, you can choose 1 that matches your lawn conditions and the growth pattern you like. To make sure your arborvitae tree adapts well to your climate, you'll want to prepare a spot, plant the sapling carefully, and give it plenty of care as it grows. Before long, you'll have a gorgeous, strong Arborvitae tree in your yard!

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Selecting a Good Spot

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  1. This will give the tree time to adapt in its new climate before the hottest summer months or frosts in winter. If possible, plant the Arborvitae tree in late fall or early spring, depending on your preferences. [1]
    • Because of their height, Arborvitae plants do not make good indoor plants and must be grown outside.
  2. Although Arborvitae trees can grow in shaded areas, they grow best in sunny spots. Find a spot in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight to help your tree adapt faster. [2]
    • Though adaptable, arborvitae trees prefer sunny, humid climates. If you live in a climate that does not receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight, your tree may grow but will have stunted growth.
    • If your area has hot summers, your tree will need light shade in the afternoon in order to thrive.
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  3. Arborvitae trees prefer moist soil with plenty of organic nutrients. Add compost or an organic soil mix to the ground to give your tree a boost as it acclimates to its new spot. [3]
    • To test your soil's draining levels, dig a 12 in (30 cm) deep hole and fill it with water. If the water takes 5-15 minutes to drain, you've found well-draining soil. [4]
    • Arborvitae trees also grow best in alkaline, or non-acidic, soils. You can check your soil's acidity by ordering a soil pH balance test online or from a plant nursery. [5]
  4. For the first several years after planting Arborvitae, it will need protection from wind. Choose a low-lying spot next to an obstruction like a wall, building, or large tree to prevent wind damage. [6]
    • You can also stake your tree to the ground after planting it if you can't find a low-lying spot.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Planting Seeds or Saplings

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  1. If you're ready to plant the tree, purchase Arborvitae saplings from a nearby garden center or nursery. Look for Arborvitae saplings with a healthy, green color and no signs of sickness or damage.
  2. If it's not currently spring or fall and you have time to sprout the tree, plant Arborvitae seeds in a pot and raise them to saplings indoors. Once you reach planting season, you can transfer your Arborvitae tree outdoors. [7]
    • Arborvitae trees can only grow indoors as saplings. To reach their maximum height and stay healthy, they must grow to maturity outside.
  3. Arborvitae trees make great natural fences or hedges. If planting multiple arborvitae trees, dig holes in an evenly spaced line for even landscaping lines. [8]
    • Space your Arborvitae saplings at least 2 feet (0.61 m) apart to give them room to grow. [9]
    • Place wooden stakes wherever you want to plant a tree for an organized layout. [10]
  4. Turn the pot upside down and gently tap on its bottom to loosen the tree and lift it out by the trunk. Pull at the tree's root ball, loosening any external roots to help them absorb more nutrients when you plant it.
    • Loosen the root ball carefully to prevent damaging your tree.
  5. Measure the root ball from top to bottom, then side to side, and write its measurements down. First, dig down far enough to fully cover the root ball, then make the hole 2-3 times as wide as your root ball so that the soil will be loose enough for the roots to grow.
    • If your root ball has a 12 in (30 cm) diameter, for example, dig a 12 in (30 cm) deep hole.
    • Mix compost into your soil before filling in the hole so that the root bulb will receive more nutrients.
    • You'll want to cover the roots with soil but not any of the tree's trunk to prevent root rot.
  6. Lower the tree carefully into the hole and, when finished, cover its roots up with soil. Inspect the tree afterward to make sure you don't expose the roots or accidentally bury the trunk. [11]
    • Before you bury the tree, make sure that it's level with the ground. Otherwise, the tree may permanently lean.
    • Burying the trunk can cause your tree to develop fungal infections and other diseases.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Caring for Planted Trees

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  1. Arborvitae plants prefer moist, not dry or soggy, soil. Check your soil's dryness every day by sticking your finger in. If the soil feels dry, water the plant immediately.
    • In drier climates without rainfall, you may need to supply more water per week. Use the soil's dryness as a guide for when to water your plant.
    • If your tree's needle tips are brown or yellowing and its foliage turns dull, it may not be getting enough water.
  2. Annually fertilizing your tree can give it nutrients it needs to thrive. Buy a nitrogen-rich fertilizer from a garden center or nursery and spray it over your plant in a thin, even coating. [12]
    • Fertilize your plant yearly to boost your plant's nutrient levels before the growing season.
  3. Mulch your tree during the summer and winter. Apply a 3 in (7.6 cm) layer of mulch around your tree's base twice a year, or more often as needed. This will cool your tree down during hot temperatures and insulate it in cooler seasons. [13]
    • Mulch also helps maintain a moist atmosphere around the Arborvitae tree, which imitates its naturally humid environment.
  4. Use pruning shears to cut away dead or dying branches, thin out overgrown areas, and shape your tree as desired. Avoid trimming more than 1/4 of the Arborvitae's foliage at a time to prevent it from going into shock after cutting it. [14]
    • Most Arborvitae trees need pruning about once a year to stay healthy.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Should I remove the burlap sack from my tree?
    Mark O'Guin
    Community Answer
    It is not necessary as long as it is tucked well down under the soil surface when planting. It will act as a wick if left exposed to the surface, drying out the young feeder roots that are trying to grow out. If there is a wire cage, you'll need to remove that; it can cause problems many years later girdling major roots. The burlap buried in the planting hole is quickly biodegradable and does not harm the roots growing readily through.
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      Tips

      • Arborvitae plants thrive in moist, humid climates. If you live in a dry climate, your Arborvitae may need close care as it adapts to the environment. [15]
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      • Because Arborvitae trees can grow up to 200 feet (61 m) tall, find a spot where their growth won't interfere with other plants or buildings. [16]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/2222
      2. ↑ https://www.fast-growing-trees.com/pages/plant-care-thuja-green-giants
      3. ↑ https://pfaf.org/USER/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Thuja+orientalis
      4. ↑ https://www.treepeople.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/How-to-Test-Soil-Drainage.pdf
      5. ↑ http://arbordayblog.org/treecare/tree-care-tips-for-the-tree-of-life-arborvitae-thuja-occidentalis/
      6. ↑ https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/91497/Thuja-occidentalis-Rheingold/Details
      7. ↑ https://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/2222
      8. ↑ http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b432
      9. ↑ http://www.heraldnet.com/life/great-plant-pick-thuja-occidentalis-degroots-spire/
      1. ↑ https://www.arborday.org/trees/privacyhedge/
      2. ↑ https://www.greenwoodnursery.com/planting-and-growing-thuja-green-giant-arborvitae
      3. ↑ http://balconygardenweb.com/how-to-plant-thuja-care-and-growing-arborvitae/
      4. ↑ https://www.fast-growing-trees.com/pages/plant-care-thuja-green-giants
      5. ↑ http://arbordayblog.org/treecare/tree-care-tips-for-the-tree-of-life-arborvitae-thuja-occidentalis/
      6. ↑ http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b432
      7. ↑ http://balconygardenweb.com/how-to-plant-thuja-care-and-growing-arborvitae/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Arborvitae trees are attractive evergreens that will thrive in your garden if you choose a sunny spot and plant them in a nutrient-rich soil mix. Start by finding a spot that gets full or partial sunlight, since these trees grow best in sunny spots. You’ll also want to choose a spot that will be protected from the wind to prevent wind damage. Once you’ve found a good spot, purchase a sapling from your local garden center or nursery. Carefully turn the pot upside down and tap on its bottom to gently remove the tree. Then, dig a hole approximately the size of its root ball. Mix some soil mix or compost into the hole so the plant has plenty of nutrients. Finally, position the tree in the hole, and cover it with dirt until it is level, which will ensure the tree grows straight. To learn how to take care of your newly planted arborvitae, read on!

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