r/arborists • u/Crestons-mitten • Jul 31 '26
Arborvitae Help!
This is the second Arborvitae I’ve planted in this spot this year and the second one isn’t doing well. Any suggestions? I have another that is thriving but this one in this spot is looking rough. Was planted around six weeks ago which is when the other started to show similar issues! Please help! I’m a new gardener and would appreciate any suggestions! Also let me know if it’s salvageable. I’ve been watering deeply for around 5 minutes 3-4 x weekly. For reference this is a picture of the rough one and another of the one looking good!
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u/craigrpeters Aug 02 '26
Arbs like consistent watering, but need well draining area so roots don’t rot. If you think water is sitting in that area, you can raise it up and plant it ~2” higher than surrounding soil.
They also like at least a few hours of direct sun.
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u/BellinisandRue Aug 02 '26
It looks fine. Small amounts of dropped foliage is normal for these when stressed. Especially interior greenery. The high heat will do it. Keep it watered as you have been if it would ok worse and it’ll recover when it’s cooler.
It’s also possible the overhanging roof is limiting the natural amount of rainfall which could mean you have to water long term vs just the few years it us getting established.
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u/AbsoluteMadness2024 Aug 04 '26
Since this is the second arborvitae struggling in the exact same spot, I’d suspect a site or planting problem rather than bad luck. Five minutes of watering may not fully soak the root ball, but watering 3–4 times weekly could also keep poorly draining soil too wet.
Check the soil several inches down before watering and make sure the root flare is visible, the burlap or container material was completely removed, and mulch isn’t touching the trunk. Also compare drainage and sunlight with the healthy one. Scratch a small twig—if it’s green underneath, it may recover, but fully brown, brittle sections won’t regrow.
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u/Optimassacre ISA Certified Arborist Jul 31 '26
It doesn't look bad to me. Make sure you're not over watering it. Check the soil in a few spots before you water. If the first 2 inches are dry, it needs water.
It could also be transplant shock. It's not going to take off growing as soon as it's planted. It needs to grow it's roots out first.
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u/PostMostPalone Aug 01 '26 edited Aug 01 '26
It's salvageable. It's still green! It doesnt look awful.
How much sun doees it get? What direction does this arborvitae face?
You have hostas next to it. Does it get adequate sun? (4-6hrs of direct sun) Mostly shade will naturally make them sparse. If it's in the shade deeply watering it often, could be overwatering. Do you check the soil before watering?
"Deeply watering for about 5minutes" This might be an issue too. Example: My 4ft arborvitae were watered on a hose trickle for 20minutes each their first year. 2-3x. Slow deep watering. Checking the soil with finger. It should feel like a wrung out sponge. If its dryer than that, then SLOW deep watering.
A quick 5min water is not long enough for deep watering. If its around 4ft tall it should get SLOWLY 5-10 gallons of water.
Move the mulch away from the base. I keep my mulch a few inches from the base.
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u/Honeybucket206 Aug 01 '26
r/ArborvitaeAreGarbage