How to Care for the Arborvitae Planted in the Fall

Key aspects for the care of a fall planted arborvitae consist of grooming, protection and hydration. The tree's roots have not matured and the limbs, branches, and leaves remain tender and susceptible to the harshness of the winter months ahead. Your arborvitae tree shouts for help when its foliage begins to turn brown. Immediate action must take place for it to survive. Help your tree thrive during the fall and remain strong enough to endure the rigors of winter.

Pruning shears
Long handled hoe
Wood mulch
Vinyl netting

Instructions

- 1
  Inspect the foliage of your arborvitae. Part the branches with your hands and check for dead branches or limbs.
- 2
  Cut away deadwood with pruning shears. Remove the remains of foliage that has turned brown.
- 3
  Hoe the soil around your arborvitae to a depth of 4 inches. Hoeing helps to aerate the earth and allows water to penetrate to the roots of the tree.
- 4
  Spread a layer of wood mulch around the base of the tree to a depth of 4 inches. The circle of mulch should extend at least 2 feet out from the tree.
- 5
  Water your arborvitae twice a month during the fall. Give it one heavy watering just before the arrival of the first frost.
- 6
  Wrap vinyl netting around the tree branches just prior to the season's first frost. Make the wrap snug enough to keep the limbs from sagging. The netting will help prevent the limbs from sagging during snow or ice storms.

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