Emerald Green Arborvitae

The Emerald Green Arborvitae typically grows to a height of about 12 to 14 feet and reaches a width of about 3 to 4 feet. This cultivar of Arborvitae is known for its narrow, upright growth habit and compact size, making it a popular choice for hedges, screens, and as a specimen plant in smaller gardens.

The Emerald Green Arborvitae is considered to have a moderate growth rate. It typically grows about 6 to 12 inches per year. This rate is not as fast as some other arborvitae varieties or evergreens, but it allows the Emerald Green Arborvitae to maintain its dense, compact form, making it a popular choice for hedges and privacy screens in residential landscapes.

When planting Emerald Green Arborvitae, it's important to space them properly to ensure healthy growth. A general guideline is to plant them about 2 to 3 feet apart from each other.

This spacing accounts for their mature width of about 3 to 4 feet, allowing the plants to grow together over time without overcrowding. If you're planting them as a hedge or privacy screen, closer spacing (around 2 feet) will create a denser barrier more quickly. For a more open, airy look, or to showcase individual plants, use wider spacing (around 3 feet).

Remember, these are guidelines, and the best spacing for your specific landscape might vary based on your design goals and the growing conditions.

Emerald Green Arborvitae generally takes about 2 to 3 years to become fully established. During this period, the tree is developing its root system and adapting to its new environment. During the establishment phase, it's crucial to provide consistent care, including proper watering, mulching, and protection from extreme elements, to ensure healthy growth and development. Once established, Emerald Green Arborvitae becomes more resilient to varying conditions and requires less intensive care.

After planting Emerald Green Arborvitae, it's important to water them regularly to ensure proper establishment. Here's a general guideline:

First Few Weeks: Water the trees deeply at the time of planting. For the first few weeks after planting, water them every other day unless there is significant rainfall.

First Growing Season: During the first growing season, water them once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Check Soil Moisture: Before watering, check the soil moisture by feeling the soil near the base of the plant. Water only when the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.

Reduce Frequency Over Time: As the trees become established (usually after the first year), you can gradually reduce the frequency of watering. Established Emerald Green Arborvitae are more drought-tolerant and typically require less frequent watering.

Remember, these are general guidelines, and the specific watering needs for your trees might vary based on your local climate, soil conditions, and rainfall. Overwatering can be as harmful as underwatering, so it's important to monitor soil moisture regularly.

If your Emerald Green Arborvitae is turning brown, several factors could be contributing to this issue:

Water Stress: Both overwatering and underwatering can cause browning. Overwatered arborvitae can develop root rot, leading to brown foliage, while underwatered trees can dry out, especially in hot or dry conditions.

Winter Burn: During winter, especially in areas with cold, windy, or sunny winters, arborvitae can experience winter burn. This is when foliage turns brown due to dehydration, as the frozen ground prevents the plant from absorbing water.

Pests or Disease: Infestations, such as spider mites, or diseases like needle blight can lead to browning. Check for signs of pests or disease symptoms.

Soil Conditions: Poorly draining soil can lead to root rot, which causes browning of the foliage.

Chemical Damage: Exposure to herbicides or over-fertilization can cause chemical burn, leading to browning needles.

Environmental Stress: Extreme weather conditions, such as prolonged drought or excessive heat, can stress the tree and cause browning.

To address the issue, assess the tree's watering schedule, soil conditions, and overall health. Check for pests or diseases and treat if necessary. Adjust care as needed to ensure the tree is in a suitable environment with proper watering and protection from extreme elements.

To address browning in Emerald Green Arborvitae, you'll need to identify and correct the underlying cause. Here are steps to help fix the issue:

Check Watering: Ensure the tree is neither overwatered nor underwatered. The soil should be moist but not soggy. Adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

Improve Soil Drainage: If poor drainage is an issue, consider amending the soil with organic matter to improve its structure or creating a raised bed to enhance drainage.

Protect from Winter Burn: In cold climates, protect arborvitae from winter burn by providing a windbreak, using burlap screens, or ensuring adequate soil moisture before the ground freezes.

Treat Pests and Diseases: If pests or diseases are present, treat them with appropriate insecticides or fungicides. Be sure to follow the product's instructions carefully.

Prune Damaged Foliage: Prune out any dead or severely brown branches to encourage new growth. However, be cautious with pruning, as arborvitae do not always regenerate from old wood.

Fertilize Appropriately: If nutrient deficiency is suspected, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreens in early spring.

Avoid Chemical Damage: Keep lawn herbicides and other chemicals away from the tree to prevent chemical burn.

By systematically addressing these areas, you can often remedy browning in Emerald Green Arborvitae and help restore the tree's health and appearance.

The best fertilizer for Emerald Green Arborvitae is a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreen trees and shrubs. Look for a fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium) like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20.

Timing: The best time to fertilize is in early spring, just as the growing season begins. This helps the tree take full advantage of the nutrients during its active growth period.

Application: Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for the correct application rate and method. Over-fertilizing can harm the tree.

Slow-Release Formula: A slow-release formula is preferred as it feeds the tree gradually over time, reducing the risk of root burn and providing a steady supply of nutrients.

Using the right type of fertilizer and applying it correctly can support the health and growth of your Emerald Green Arborvitae, contributing to its overall vigor and appearance.

It is generally not recommended to cut the top off an Emerald Green Arborvitae. Doing so can disrupt the tree's natural growth habit and shape. Emerald Green Arborvitae naturally grows in a narrow, conical form, and topping it (cutting off the top) can lead to several issues:

Appearance: Topping can make the tree look unbalanced and unnatural. It disrupts the symmetrical, columnar form that is characteristic of this variety.

Growth Problems: Arborvitae trees do not always respond well to severe pruning. They may not regrow from the cut point, leaving a permanent bare spot.

Health Risks: Cutting the top off can also stress the tree and make it more vulnerable to pests and diseases.

If height control is a concern, it’s better to select a plant species that naturally grows to the desired height, rather than trying to control the size of an Emerald Green Arborvitae through topping. Regular, light pruning to shape the tree or remove any dead or damaged branches is usually sufficient for maintaining the health and appearance of these trees.

Pruning Emerald Green Arborvitae should be done with care, as these trees do not require heavy pruning. Here's how to prune them properly:

Timing: The best time to prune is in the late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Avoid pruning in late summer or early fall as this can stimulate new growth that might not harden off before winter.

Remove Dead or Damaged Branches: Start by removing any branches that are dead, damaged, or diseased. This helps maintain the health of the tree.

Light Shaping: If needed, lightly shape the tree by trimming back any unruly branches. Be cautious not to cut too much, as Emerald Green Arborvitae do not regenerate well from old wood.

Avoid Topping: Do not cut the top off the tree, as this can harm its natural growth pattern and overall health.

Use the Right Tools: Use sharp, clean pruning shears or loppers for small branches. For larger branches, a saw may be necessary.

Minimal Pruning: Remember, Emerald Green Arborvitae naturally grows in a narrow, upright form and typically requires minimal pruning.

By following these guidelines, you can prune your Emerald Green Arborvitae effectively, maintaining its health and attractive appearance without causing undue stress to the tree.

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