Emerald Green Arborvitae Care

Your arborvitae will need watering twice weekly for the first few months after planting, then weekly watering (about one inch) for the next year or so. Once established, make sure it gets about a half-inch of water weekly, either through rainfall or irrigation. Too little water will cause the foliage to turn yellow or brown, while excessive water may cause needle discoloration and root rot.

Light pruning in the early spring can help your arborvitae remain neat and foster thicker growth. To do so, trim the leafy parts of the branch, making sure not to cut back to bare wood. Dead or diseased branches should be removed to prevent decay and improve air circulation.

Arborvitae plants normally do not need feeding. However, if new growth is very sparse or slow, an application of a balanced fertilizer containing all major nutrients is recommended.

Emerald green arborvitae should be grown in full sun or partial shade. They generally need at least six hours of sun daily, but too much direct sunlight can stress the plant and burn the foliage. However, they should not be planted in full shade either, since this can greatly reduce the density of the foliage.

Plant arborvitae in moist but well-drained soil that boasts a neutral to alkaline pH level. These shrubs do not like to have their roots in soggy soil, so apply a heavy layer of compost or mulch over the root zone each year to preserve soil moisture.

Emerald green arborvitae does better in cooler, dryer climates. In very humid conditions, fungal diseases can be a problem. To help prevent this, plant your trees at least 3 to 4 feet apart from one another in order to improve air circulation. Avoid exposed, windy locations, especially in colder climates.

Emerald green arborvitae is considered toxic to animals, though only mildly so, unless massive amounts are ingested. The issue lies in the plant's essential oils, which contain the neurotoxin known as thujone, the largest concentration of which can be found in the cones, wood, and at the end of the twigs. If you notice your animal exhibiting any of the issues below, contact an emergency vet immediately.

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