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Yes, you can plant arborvitae in november and it’s actually a smart time to get them in the ground before winter arrives.
Planting arborvitae in november works well because the cool temperatures put far less stress on the tree compared to a hot summer planting.
While many gardeners automatically think spring is the only window, planting arborvitae in november gives the roots time to settle in before the ground freezes.
The key is understanding how november planting for arborvitae differs from other seasons and what adjustments you need to make.
When you plant arborvitae in november, you’re taking advantage of a natural window that many homeowners overlook entirely.
In this post, we’ll explore why you can plant arborvitae in november, how to do it properly, and what common pitfalls to avoid.
Let’s dig into everything you need to know about planting arborvitae in november so your trees thrive.
Why You Can Plant Arborvitae in November
1. Cooler Temperatures Reduce Transplant Shock
When you plant arborvitae in november, the cooler air means the tree isn’t fighting against heat stress and moisture loss.
The roots can focus all their energy on establishing themselves instead of supporting thirsty foliage above ground.
This makes november planting for arborvitae far less risky than a midsummer planting when heat can be brutal.
Transplant shock is minimized when you plant arborvitae in november because the tree’s metabolism has already slowed down naturally.
2. Dormancy Works in Your Favor
By november, most arborvitae varieties are entering or already in a state of dormancy.
When you plant arborvitae in november, the tree isn’t putting energy into producing new leaves or branches.
Instead, it can direct all its available resources toward root development below the soil surface.
This is the hidden advantage of planting arborvitae in november that experienced gardeners rely on every season.
The roots will continue to grow slowly as long as the soil temperature stays above roughly 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
So even though you don’t see growth above ground, the arborvitae planted in november is still working hard underground.
3. Soil Is Still Workable in Most Regions
In many parts of the country, november soil hasn’t frozen solid yet.
You can still dig a proper hole when you plant arborvitae in november without needing heavy equipment.
The soil temperature is often still above 40 degrees in early to mid-november, which allows roots to grow slowly but steadily.
This slow root growth is exactly what you want when planting arborvitae in november because it gives the tree a head start for spring.
4. Less Pest and Disease Pressure
Another benefit when you plant arborvitae in november is that many pests and diseases are less active in cool weather.
Fungal issues and insect infestations are far less common during november planting for arborvitae compared to warm season planting.
This means arborvitae planted in november face fewer threats during their critical establishment period.
How to Successfully Plant Arborvitae in November
1. Choose the Right Timing Within November
Early to mid-november is the sweet spot for planting arborvitae in november.
Late november can be risky if the ground has already frozen in your specific area.
So aim to plant arborvitae in november early enough that the soil is still soft and workable for digging.
Check your local frost dates and plan accordingly when you want to plant arborvitae in november.
2. Water Properly Before the Ground Freezes
Even though temperatures are cool, you still need to water when you plant arborvitae in november.
Give the roots a deep, thorough soak right after planting to settle the soil around them.
Then continue to water sparingly until the ground freezes for the season.
The goal is consistently moist soil, not soggy soil, when planting arborvitae in november.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is a real risk with cool soil temperatures that drain slowly.
3. Mulch Heavily for Winter Insulation
Mulch is absolutely critical when you plant arborvitae in november for winter survival.
Apply a thick layer of three to four inches of organic mulch like wood chips or shredded bark around the base.
Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and rodent damage.
This insulation helps the arborvitae planted in november survive temperature fluctuations through winter.
Mulch also helps retain soil moisture and prevents frost heave that can push roots out of the ground.
4. Stake If Necessary for Wind Protection
Arborvitae planted in november haven’t had time to anchor themselves firmly in the soil.
Strong winter winds can rock the tree and damage delicate new roots just starting to grow.
Consider staking the tree for its first winter if you live in a consistently windy area.
This extra support helps your arborvitae planted in november stay upright and stable through storms.
What to Watch for When Planting Arborvitae in November
1. Avoid Planting in Frozen Ground at All Costs
You can plant arborvitae in november only if the ground isn’t frozen solid already.
If you can’t dig a hole deep enough for the root ball, it’s too late for november planting.
In that case, wait until spring when the soil thaws completely and warms up again.
Planting arborvitae in frozen ground will not end well for the tree and could kill it quickly.
2. Protect from Drying Winter Winds
Arborvitae planted in november are especially vulnerable to drying winter winds.
Wind can cause the foliage to lose moisture faster than the roots can absorb it from cold soil.
This leads to a condition called winter burn, where the needles turn brown and dry out.
Consider wrapping the tree with burlap or setting up a windbreak on the prevailing windy side.
This is an extra step that makes a huge difference when you plant arborvitae in november.
3. Don’t Fertilize During November Planting
Fertilizer encourages new growth, and that’s the last thing you want when planting arborvitae in november.
Any tender new growth would be killed by the first hard frost of the season.
Save the fertilizer for early spring after the tree has survived its first winter dormancy.
When you plant arborvitae in november, the tree needs to rest and focus on roots, not leaves.
4. Monitor for Frost Heave Through Winter
Frost heave happens when the ground freezes and thaws repeatedly through winter.
This can push your arborvitae planted in november upward and expose sensitive roots to cold air.
Heavy mulching helps prevent this, but it’s worth checking periodically through the season.
If you notice the tree lifting, gently press it back down and add more mulch around the base.
So, Can You Plant Arborvitae in November?
Yes, you can plant arborvitae in november and it can be a very successful strategy for your landscape.
Planting arborvitae in november works well when you time it right and follow the proper planting steps.
Cooler temperatures, natural dormancy, and still-workable soil all work in your favor during november planting for arborvitae.
Just remember to mulch heavily, water wisely before freezing, and protect from harsh winter winds.
Avoid frozen ground, skip the fertilizer entirely, and keep an eye on frost heave through the season.
When done correctly, arborvitae planted in november will establish strong roots and take off beautifully in spring.
Hope this guide helps you feel confident and prepared for planting arborvitae in november this year.