Thujopsis dolabrata

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rcmartin Hanover, PA(Zone 6a) Jul 14, 2011

I have two of the above evergreens (Nana, Hiba Arborvitae) that have been in the ground for three years. They are planted in a bed that receives the sun over most of the day. Over the season, they have a number of "brown" branches. Is this typical of this type of conifer?

Is there a way to minimize this condition?

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ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) Jul 14, 2011

Can you post some pictures? Arborvitae will always get brown in the middle, and if you prune back into that brown part then they generally won't regrow from that spot, but if it's the outside of the plant turning brown and you haven't pruned it then there's probably something going on. Could be anything from a pest of some sort to a watering issue.

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WeeNel Ayrshire Scotland, United Kingdom Aug 08, 2011

These plants / tree's pref ere a damp soil so dig out some soil with your trowel and see how dry it is at the root area, IF bone dry, dig out some soil and insert an upturned plastic juice bottle that has the bottom cut off, insert the bottle (bottom uppermost) then as you water, you just fill up the bottle a few times, 1st time, let the water run down to roots, 2nd time the same, 3rd time should be enough, in warmer weather you may need to do this a few times a week, remember these tree's / shrubs take up a lot of water in their natural habitat, IF you have orange/brown areas showing then this is usually a nitrogen shortage and you should add a dressing of horn/ bone /blood mix, this I would do in spring but maybe you should add it now, these plants also prefer to be sheltered from north / east winds as this dries up the foliage too.
These plants can grow quite big so after about 8 years you may have to re-evaluate there position, an 8 feet tall tree needs a huge root spread so maybe you will look see if they are planted in the right area right now and not too close to path, house, sidewalk etc.
hope this helps you out. WeeNel.

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