Nature Hills Gardening Neighborhood

Seven five foot arborvitae were planted this spring in Indiana clay soil.  I don't think I planted too deep and added commercial planter mix with dirt from the hole for fill.  I used transplant shock and they were (and have been) watered well.  All seven now have brown leaves and look pale in color.  They get 8 - 10 hours of sun per day and are lightly sprinkled with 12-12-12 every 3-4 months.  What am I doing wrong?  Thanks!

Hello and welcome to our gardening neighborhood. What variety of arborvitaes did you plant? How much are you watering a week? My initial response would be too much water and I would also discontinue using fertilizer until the plants have been established for a year. I look forward to your response. Good luck!

Good Morning Jeff, from Indianapolis...

...and thank you for your response.  Sorry, but I cannot find the nursery tags from the arborvitaes we planted.  (I alwys keep tags; but, can't put my hand on them this time.)  I too believe I'm overwatering. They get full spray from computerized irrigation system, 15 minutes every other morning between 4:30 to 5:30 AM.  Spray is mainly for blue grass and planter area that they cover, but the 7 trees act as a view-block from next-door neighbors. This is the second time I've replanted the arborvitaes, first group did the same thing.  I should take the hint that they are not goingto do well in this location!

Woody

Hi Woody,

Thank you for the follow-up post. I would tend to agree with you that the location is probably not the best for arborvitae.

Good luck!

I have a similar problem, if not the same. I live on the south shore of Lake Ontario in New York State. I planted the trees on a berm about 2 Ft. high, and covered it with black landscape fabrick. The trees have been subjected to heavy winds and a lot of rain since I planted them mid-September. They now have more brown spots near the bottom than when I planted them. Ive been watering them, and fertilized with miracid (Rapid Grow). Maybe I should simply leave them alone!

Also, Winter is fast approaching. Sould the trees be wrapped in burlap or something?