How to Keep Your Arborvitaes from Turning Brown

Arborvitaes are evergreen trees that can grow up to 50 feet tall. Some varieties, such as Hertz Midget and Rheingold, are dwarf in comparison, growing only 2 to 4 feet tall. A common concern with arborvitaes is their tendency to turn brown. Some browning, such as the kind that occurs on the inner needles of the plant in winter, is natural and does not affect the health of the trees. Browning that does not go away in the spring or spreads to the outer edges of the trees is cause for concern. To avoid such browning, adopt a few planting and care habits that will help you grow green, thriving arborvitaes.

Insecticide
Pruner

Instructions

- 1
  Plant an arborvitae in well-draining soil where runoff is not an issue. Avoid low-lying areas as well. Plant it so the top of the root ball is even with the soil line. Planting an arborvitae too deep can cause it to turn brown and die.
- 2
  Avoid overwatering an arborvitae. This will eventually causes the leaves to turn yellow, then brown. Water an arborvitae with 1 to 2 inches of water once a week during warm, dry weather. Avoid watering it when you water the lawn and other nearby plants.
- 3
  Treat damaging insects as soon as possible before they severely damage or kill the plant. Arborvitaes are resistant to most pests, but mites, sawflies or bagworms can cause significant browning. Take a sample larvae, insect or damaged needle to a county extension office or nursery for diagnosis. Treat as needed with an appropriate insecticide.
- 4
  Prune an arborvitae lightly to shape it or reduce its overall height. Cut back 1 to 3 inches a year -- preferably in the early spring -- rather than pruning the tree drastically at any one time. Start pruning before it grows into its space, then continue to lightly prune the tree each year as necessary. Heavy pruning can cause arborvitae needles to turn brown, as well as leave bare spots.

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