Planting Arborvitae Trees: A Comprehensive Guide for Lush Green Privacy
Arborvitae trees are a popular choice for homeowners looking to create privacy screens, windbreaks, or simply add a touch of evergreen elegance to their landscapes. Their dense, lush foliage, relatively fast growth rate, and tolerance of various soil conditions make them a versatile and attractive option. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of planting arborvitae trees successfully, from selecting the right variety to providing ongoing care.
## Why Choose Arborvitae Trees?
Before diving into the planting process, let’s briefly explore why arborvitae trees are such a sought-after landscape addition:
* **Privacy:** Arborvitae create dense, living walls that effectively block unwanted views and provide a sense of seclusion.
* **Windbreak:** They act as natural wind barriers, protecting your property from harsh winds and reducing energy costs.
* **Aesthetic Appeal:** Their evergreen foliage adds year-round beauty and structure to any landscape.
* **Low Maintenance:** Once established, arborvitae trees require minimal care.
* **Adaptability:** Many varieties thrive in a wide range of soil types and climates.
* **Relatively Fast Growth:** Compared to other evergreen trees, arborvitae grow at a relatively quick pace, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of a privacy screen sooner.
## Choosing the Right Arborvitae Variety
With numerous arborvitae varieties available, selecting the right one for your specific needs and landscape is crucial. Consider the following factors:
* **Mature Size:** Determine the desired height and width of your screen or hedge. Some arborvitae varieties can reach towering heights, while others remain relatively compact. Popular options include:
* **’Green Giant’:** A fast-growing, large variety that can reach 50-60 feet tall and 12-18 feet wide. Ideal for creating tall privacy screens.
* **’Emerald Green’ (also known as ‘Smaragd’):** A more compact and upright variety that typically grows to 10-15 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide. A good choice for smaller spaces or formal hedges.
* **’Techny’ (also known as ‘Mission’):** A cold-hardy variety that grows to 10-15 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide. Excellent for areas with harsh winters.
* **’Degroot’s Spire’:** A narrow and columnar variety that reaches 20-30 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide. Perfect for tight spaces or creating a formal, vertical accent.
* **Growth Rate:** Consider how quickly you want your privacy screen to establish. ‘Green Giant’ is known for its rapid growth, while other varieties grow at a more moderate pace.
* **Hardiness Zone:** Ensure that the variety you choose is suitable for your local climate. Arborvitae are generally hardy in USDA zones 3-7, but specific varieties may have different hardiness ranges.
* **Sun Exposure:** Most arborvitae varieties prefer full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day), but some can tolerate partial shade.
* **Soil Conditions:** Arborvitae trees generally prefer well-drained soil. However, some varieties are more tolerant of clay or sandy soils than others.
Consult with a local nursery or arborist to determine the best arborvitae variety for your specific location and needs.
## Preparing for Planting
Proper preparation is essential for ensuring the successful establishment of your arborvitae trees. Follow these steps to prepare your planting site:
1. **Timing:** The best time to plant arborvitae trees is in the spring or early fall, when the weather is mild and the soil is moist. Avoid planting during the heat of summer or when the ground is frozen.
2. **Site Selection:** Choose a location that receives adequate sunlight and has well-drained soil. Consider the mature size of the variety you have chosen and ensure that there is enough space for the trees to grow without overcrowding.
3. **Soil Testing:** Conduct a soil test to determine the pH level and nutrient content of your soil. Arborvitae trees prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Amend the soil as needed based on the test results. You can purchase a soil testing kit from your local garden center or send a soil sample to a professional lab.
4. **Clearing the Area:** Remove any grass, weeds, rocks, or debris from the planting area. This will help to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
5. **Digging the Holes:** Dig holes that are twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. The top of the root ball should be level with the surrounding soil. If you are planting multiple trees for a screen or hedge, space the holes appropriately based on the mature width of the variety you have chosen. A general recommendation is to space them 3-5 feet apart for a dense screen, but consult the specific recommendations for your chosen variety.
## Planting Your Arborvitae Trees: Step-by-Step
Now that you have prepared your planting site, follow these steps to plant your arborvitae trees:
1. **Carefully Remove the Tree from the Container:** Gently loosen the root ball by tapping the sides of the container or using a trowel. If the tree is root-bound (the roots are tightly circling the root ball), carefully cut or tease apart the roots to encourage them to spread outwards.
2. **Place the Tree in the Hole:** Position the tree in the center of the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Make sure that the trunk flare (where the trunk widens at the base) is visible and not buried.
3. **Backfill the Hole:** Backfill the hole with the soil that you removed, gently firming it around the root ball. Avoid compacting the soil too tightly, as this can restrict root growth.
4. **Water Thoroughly:** Water the tree deeply to settle the soil and provide moisture to the roots. Continue watering regularly, especially during dry periods, until the tree is established.
5. **Mulch the Planting Area:** Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or shredded bark, around the base of the tree. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot. Mulch helps to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
6. **Stake the Tree (Optional):** If the tree is tall or exposed to strong winds, you may need to stake it for the first year or two to provide support. Use soft tree ties to secure the tree to the stakes, making sure not to constrict the trunk. Remove the stakes once the tree is established.
## Caring for Your Arborvitae Trees
Proper care is essential for ensuring the long-term health and vitality of your arborvitae trees. Follow these guidelines:
* **Watering:** Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Newly planted trees require more frequent watering than established trees. Water deeply, allowing the soil to soak down to the roots. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger a few inches into the soil. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water.
* **Fertilizing:** Fertilize your arborvitae trees in the spring with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 or a fertilizer specifically formulated for evergreens. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer label. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can burn the roots.
* **Pruning:** Arborvitae trees generally require minimal pruning. However, you can prune them to maintain their shape or remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. The best time to prune is in the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Avoid pruning too heavily, as this can damage the tree.
* **Pest and Disease Control:** Monitor your arborvitae trees regularly for signs of pests or diseases. Common pests include spider mites, bagworms, and scale. Common diseases include root rot and tip blight. Treat any infestations or infections promptly with appropriate insecticides or fungicides. Consult with a local nursery or arborist for recommendations on the best products to use.
* **Winter Protection:** In areas with heavy snowfall, protect your arborvitae trees from snow damage by wrapping them with burlap or netting. This will help to prevent the branches from breaking under the weight of the snow. You can also apply an anti-desiccant spray to the foliage to help prevent winter burn.
## Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with proper care, you may encounter some problems with your arborvitae trees. Here are some common issues and how to address them:
* **Browning Needles:** Browning needles can be caused by a variety of factors, including drought stress, winter burn, nutrient deficiencies, or pest infestations. Investigate the cause and take appropriate action, such as watering more frequently, applying an anti-desiccant spray, fertilizing the tree, or treating for pests.
* **Root Rot:** Root rot is a fungal disease that can occur in poorly drained soils. Symptoms include yellowing needles, wilting, and stunted growth. To prevent root rot, ensure that your arborvitae trees are planted in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering. If root rot does occur, you may need to treat the tree with a fungicide.
* **Bagworms:** Bagworms are caterpillars that build cone-shaped bags on the branches of trees. They can defoliate trees if left untreated. Remove bagworms by hand or treat the tree with an insecticide.
* **Spider Mites:** Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from leaves, causing them to turn yellow or brown. Treat spider mites with an insecticide or miticide.
## Creating a Stunning Privacy Screen
One of the most popular uses for arborvitae trees is to create a privacy screen. Here are some tips for creating a stunning and effective privacy screen:
* **Choose the Right Variety:** Select an arborvitae variety that is known for its dense growth and upright habit, such as ‘Green Giant’ or ‘Emerald Green’.
* **Space the Trees Appropriately:** Space the trees close enough together to create a solid screen, but not so close that they become overcrowded. A spacing of 3-5 feet apart is generally recommended.
* **Stagger the Trees (Optional):** For a more natural-looking screen, you can stagger the trees in two rows, rather than planting them in a straight line.
* **Prune Regularly:** Prune the trees regularly to maintain their shape and density. Trim the sides of the trees to create a uniform hedge. You can also top the trees to control their height.
* **Add Underplanting:** Enhance the beauty of your privacy screen by adding underplanting with shrubs, flowers, or groundcover. Choose plants that complement the color and texture of the arborvitae trees.
## Arborvitae as a Windbreak
Arborvitae can also be used effectively as a windbreak to protect your property from harsh winds. When planting for a windbreak, consider the following:
* **Location:** Plant the arborvitae trees on the windward side of your property, perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction.
* **Number of Rows:** Plant multiple rows of trees for a more effective windbreak. Stagger the trees in each row to create a dense barrier.
* **Variety Selection:** Choose a hardy and wind-resistant variety, such as ‘Techny’ or ‘Green Giant’.
* **Maintenance:** Prune the trees regularly to maintain their density and prevent them from becoming too tall.
## Conclusion
Planting arborvitae trees is a rewarding investment that can enhance the beauty, privacy, and value of your property. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure the successful establishment and long-term health of your arborvitae trees. With a little care and attention, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of a lush green privacy screen or windbreak for years to come. Remember to choose the right variety for your needs, prepare the planting site properly, and provide ongoing care to keep your arborvitae trees thriving.
Now you have the knowledge to transform your yard into a private oasis with these magnificent evergreens. Happy planting!