Emerald Green Aborvitaes

[lindy rig]

I just purchased a half dozen of these from Lowe's. They are about 4 ft tall right now. I have them spaced approx 4 ft apart along our fenceline to create a "privacy screen" from our neighbors. I put mulch around the bases.

1) How much/often should I water them during the 1st year?

2) Are there any special pruning techniques?

Thanks!

[Powerstroke]

If they are not irrigated they should get watered twice a week for the first couple weeks and then maybe once a week after that if its dry.

If you want them to fill the gaps, your pruning should be minimal. Arbo's get pretty woody on the inside so don't prune off too much if you do. Maybe just a light shearing in june/july if you want to even out the shape. Otherwise I would let them go and fill in.

[lindy rig]

Thanks for the response P-Stroke. I'm curious how fast they grow, but I guess we'll have to wait and see!

[lilwalter]

I've planted several of these over the years. I'd say about a foot a year is pretty average.

[lindy rig]

Does anyone know if I should be doing anything with these to prep for winter? Should I water them heavily right before freeze up to help them store water?

[Powerstroke]

I would be watering any evergreen right now, especially if they have not been watered regularly during the summer.

[Steve Foss]

lindy rig, watering liberally throughout the fall helps evergreens store water, which can be important since they transpire (lose moisture to the air) throughout winter. South-facing arborvitae that do not get enough fall moisture are prone to sun burning over winter too, and some people wrap them in burlap or other fabric to shield them from the sun.

[lindy rig]

The needles on the inside of the tree are starting to turn brown. Is this normal? I would assume the colors of the needles shouldn't change with the seasons correct?

I have been watering about once a week. Skipping the weeks when it rains.

It shouldn't be winter burn yet? Should I water more or less?

Thanks guys!

[lindy rig]

And just to clarify... they look fine from a distance but when I get close and/or seperate the branches a little there is significant amount of brown needles.

Just wondering if I can / should do anything about it now.

[lindy rig]

Just in case anyone else was wondering..... (besides me LOL!)

I called Linder's. They said this sounds normal. Apparently the arborvitaes and some other types of evergreens "shed" some interior needles.

Thanks anyway!