5 Mistakes to Avoid when Growing Arborvitae

Arborvitae is a wonderful plant tree that will grow quickly, allowing you to plant several of them along the line of your property as a natural hedge or fence. There are things you can do that may damage the arborvitae, however, so it is important that you are careful as you plant, grow and maintain you plants and trees. Make sure that you watch out for these mistakes, and your plants should grow and stay alive for many years.

Mistake 1: Ignoring Weather Conditions While Planting

Though your arborvitae can be planted during any season, there are certain conditions that are not good for it to start off. If you are having an especially hot summer and are experiencing drought, make sure that you wait before planting into soil. Though you may still keep it near your house in a growing pot, you must make sure it is in a place where it will experience both sunny and shaded conditions, and is well watered so that the soil will not become dried out.

If a drought comes after you have transplanted your arborvitae, make sure that you water the soil around it often to make sure it will make it through the season.

Mistake 2: Pruning During the Wrong Season

Though arborvitae generally will not need to be pruned, you may need to cut back the branches from time to time. Avoid pruning in any season but spring. Pruning your tree in spring will allow it to fully heal and continue its growth without causing damage caused by heat, extreme cold or insects.

Mistake 3: Planting the Wrong Variety

Though most arborvitae will grow in any climate, certain varieties will grow better in each zone. When you are purchasing your arborvitae, research which climate zones in which it will flourish. This will make your arborvitae care much simpler and it will require less maintenance.

Mistake 4: Improper Arborvitae Spacing

Though Arborvitae, when grown next to each other will make a good hedge or fence, you should make sure they are properly spaced apart. Planting them too close together will prevent them from growing properly, as they will all be competing for the same minerals and nutrients in the soil.

Check your variety of arborvitae to see how far apart they should be placed, and make sure that you follow those steps to keep them healthy.

Mistake 5: Forgetting to Take Care of Your Arborvitae in the Winter

Heavy snow and built up ice can be very damaging to your arborvitae trees. Make sure you maintain your trees during that time, by knocking the snow off the branches and allowing the trees to stay upright. This will prevent disease caused by cold and your tree's branches from breaking.

Consider purchasing a mesh to go over your arborvitae during the autumn and winter. Not only will this help the snow fall to the ground, but it will also protect your tree from foraging animals.

There are several things you can do to help maintain your tree. The biggest mistake you can make is to not check for tree for damage and forgetting to take care of it.