Caring for an Arborvitae Tree

Caring for your arborvitae tree is a year round process, but with care you will have a healthy plant.

Pruning

Prune your arborvitae in the coldest winter months, usually late January or early February. Pruning is only necessary if the arborvitae has outgrown its planted area, otherwise, they do not need pruning. Prune by pinching the tips of each branch off to the desired distance for your planted area. If you want a more tailored appearance with your arborvitae, you can shear the plant all at once.

Transplanting and Growing Additional Arborvitae from Original

Arborvitae is a fast-growing tree and because they take root easily can be used to cultivate more arborvitae. You will want to use 2 to 3 foot tall nursery stock. The best time of year to cultivate an arborvitae is in the fall. Once planted spread a thick layer of mulch over the area of planting to protect the roots, as this is the most vulnerable part of an arborvitae when first being grown.

Flowers and Fruit of the Arborvitae

The arborvitae produces both a flower and fruit. The flower is the male component of the tree and the fruit is the female part of the tree. The flower blooms are a yellow color and will drop from the tree in spring. These yellow flowers have a high allergen output from their pollen. The fruit of the arborvitae comes from a green flower on the tree and then turns into a yellow fruit. The fruit is the source of the seeds for the arborvitae. The seeds are released from the fruit after it turns brown. This process can proceed throughout the winter.

Placement for Planting

The arborvitae should be planted in a wind protected zone as a result of their small root-balls. This is mostly a concern when first planting a new arborvitae before it takes root. You can use stakes to support the trunk of the arborvitae. Remove the stakes once the arborvitae appears to be able to support itself. The arborvitae produces rather thick foliage and should, therefore, be planted in area where this will not present a problem and where clean up is relatively easy.  

Watering and Care

An arborvitae does not need additional watering except in severe drought conditions. If you live in an area where rainfall is absent for more than 2 weeks at a time, plan on watering your arborvitae. The best method is with a soaker hose, giving the tree about 1 inch of water each week. A fertilizer can be used when first growing an arborvitae to encourage growth. Sprinkle along the drip line of the tree.

Winter Care

If you live in a climate where the ground freezes, it is a good idea to protect your arborvitae with a barrier, such as wood chips, burlap or garden fleece.

Pests

Arborvitaes are loved by small rodents, birds and deer. Depending on your interests you may wish to protect your arborvitae from one or more of these animals. Arborvitaes are also prone to attack by bagworms. Simply remove the sacks by hand.