What To Know
- The Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’) is a popular choice for homeowners looking to add a touch of evergreen elegance to their landscaping.
- Place the arborvitae in the center of the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding ground.
- Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk.
The Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’) is a popular choice for homeowners looking to add a touch of evergreen elegance to their landscaping. Its vibrant green foliage, dense growth habit, and low maintenance requirements make it a perfect addition to hedges, privacy screens, or as standalone specimens. But before you can enjoy the beauty of this remarkable conifer, you need to know how to plant it correctly. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring your Emerald Green Arborvitae thrives for years to come.
Choosing the Right Spot for Your Emerald Green Arborvitae
The first step to successful planting is selecting an appropriate location. Emerald Green Arborvitae thrives in full sun to partial shade, with at least four hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid planting in areas with heavy shade, as this can lead to sparse growth and a less vibrant color.
Consider the mature size of your arborvitae when choosing a spot. These evergreen beauties can reach heights of 15-20 feet and widths of 4-6 feet. Leave enough space around your arborvitae to accommodate its growth and prevent overcrowding.
Preparing the Planting Site
Once you’ve chosen the perfect spot, it’s time to prepare the planting site. This involves removing any existing vegetation, loosening the soil, and amending it if necessary.
- Remove Existing Vegetation: Clear the area of any weeds, grasses, or other plants that might compete with your arborvitae for nutrients and water.
- Loosen the Soil: Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball of your arborvitae. Use a garden fork or shovel to loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole, ensuring good drainage.
- Amending the Soil: If your soil is dense or poorly draining, amend it with compost or peat moss to improve its texture and drainage. This will help the roots establish themselves and thrive.
Planting Your Emerald Green Arborvitae
With the planting site prepared, you’re ready to plant your Emerald Green Arborvitae:
1. Remove the Arborvitae from its Container: Gently remove the arborvitae from its container, being careful not to damage the root ball. If the roots are circling around the inside of the container, gently loosen them with your fingers.
2. Position the Arborvitae in the Hole: Place the arborvitae in the center of the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding ground.
3. Backfill the Hole: Backfill the hole with the amended soil, gently pressing it down around the root ball. Leave a slight depression around the base of the plant to help with watering.
4. Water Thoroughly: After planting, water your arborvitae deeply, ensuring the entire root ball is soaked.
5. Mulch Around the Base: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk. This will help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Caring for Your Newly Planted Emerald Green Arborvitae
After planting, it’s essential to provide your Emerald Green Arborvitae with proper care to help it establish itself and thrive:
Watering
During the first year after planting, your arborvitae needs regular watering, especially during dry periods. Water deeply and thoroughly, allowing the water to soak the entire root ball. Aim to water every 1-2 weeks, depending on the weather conditions.
Fertilizing
Emerald Green Arborvitae can benefit from fertilization, especially during the first few years after planting. Use a balanced fertilizer formulated for evergreens, applying it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Pruning
Emerald Green Arborvitae generally require minimal pruning. However, you can prune them lightly in the spring to remove any dead or damaged branches and shape them as desired.
Protecting from Winter Damage
Emerald Green Arborvitae is generally hardy, but in harsh winter climates, they can be susceptible to winter damage. To protect them, consider wrapping them with burlap or frost cloth, especially during periods of extreme cold or wind.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
While Emerald Green Arborvitae are relatively low-maintenance, they can be susceptible to certain problems:
Brown Tips
Brown tips are a common issue with arborvitae, often caused by dry conditions, winter damage, or nutrient deficiencies. To prevent brown tips, ensure adequate watering, protect from harsh winter conditions, and fertilize regularly.
Pests
Emerald Green Arborvitae can be susceptible to pests such as spider mites, aphids, and scale insects. To prevent pest infestations, regularly inspect your arborvitae for signs of damage and treat any infestations promptly with an appropriate insecticide.
Diseases
Emerald Green Arborvitae can be susceptible to diseases such as root rot and fungal diseases. Avoid overwatering and ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. To prevent fungal diseases, avoid overhead watering and prune out any diseased branches.
Enjoy Your Emerald Green Arborvitae
With proper care and attention, your Emerald Green Arborvitae will thrive and add a touch of evergreen elegance to your landscape for years to come. Enjoy the beauty of its vibrant green foliage, its dense growth habit, and its low maintenance requirements.
Top Questions Asked
Q: How often should I water my Emerald Green Arborvitae?
A: During the first year after planting, water your arborvitae deeply and thoroughly every 1-2 weeks, depending on the weather conditions.
Q: How much fertilizer should I use?
A: Use a balanced fertilizer formulated for evergreens, applying it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: When is the best time to prune my Emerald Green Arborvitae?
A: You can prune your arborvitae lightly in the spring to remove any dead or damaged branches and shape them as desired.
Q: How can I protect my arborvitae from winter damage?
A: Consider wrapping your arborvitae with burlap or frost cloth during periods of extreme cold or wind.
Q: What are some common problems with Emerald Green Arborvitae?
A: Common problems include brown tips, pest infestations, and diseases such as root rot and fungal diseases.
