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Yes, you can plant arborvitae in spring and it’s actually one of the best times to get these evergreens established.
Planting arborvitae in spring gives your trees the entire growing season to develop strong roots before winter arrives.
If you’ve been wondering whether you can plant arborvitae in spring, the answer is a solid yes as long as the ground is workable and frost danger has passed.
Many gardeners successfully plant arborvitae in spring because the cooler temperatures and regular rainfall reduce transplant shock.
In this post, we’ll cover why planting arborvitae in spring is a smart move, how to do it right, and what pitfalls to avoid.
Let’s dig into everything you need to know about spring planting for arborvitae.
Why You Can Plant Arborvitae in Spring
Planting arborvitae in spring works so well because the conditions line up perfectly for root development.
1. Soil Warms Up Naturally
When you plant arborvitae in spring, the soil temperature gradually rises which encourages roots to grow outward.
Arborvitae prefer soil temperatures between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal root activity.
Spring provides that sweet spot because the ground isn’t frozen like winter and isn’t scorching like summer.
This gentle warmth means your arborvitae planted in spring can establish without extreme temperature stress.
2. Spring Rainfall Reduces Your Workload
One major reason planting arborvitae in spring is recommended is the natural moisture from spring rains.
You won’t have to drag a hose out every single day because Mother Nature often handles the watering.
Consistent moisture is critical for newly planted arborvitae and spring delivers that reliability.
If you plant arborvitae in spring, you’ll spend less time watering compared to a summer planting.
3. Trees Have a Long Growing Window Ahead
When you plant arborvitae in spring, you give the tree six to eight months to grow roots before the ground freezes.
That extended period means the arborvitae can anchor itself deeply and become drought tolerant by autumn.
Arborvitae planted in spring also have time to push out fresh foliage and adapt to the site conditions.
This head start makes spring planting far more forgiving than fall or late summer planting.
Best Practices for Planting Arborvitae in Spring
Knowing you can plant arborvitae in spring is great, but doing it correctly ensures success.
1. Choose the Right Location and Soil
Before you plant arborvitae in spring, pick a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
Arborvitae hate soggy roots so test drainage by digging a hole and filling it with water to see if it drains within a few hours.
If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost to improve drainage before planting arborvitae in spring.
Proper site selection makes the difference between a thriving hedge and a struggling one.
2. Water Deeply and Consistently
When you plant arborvitae in spring, water them thoroughly right after putting them in the ground.
Continue watering deeply once or twice a week for the first few months unless rain does the job.
Arborvitae planted in spring need consistent moisture to push those roots out into the surrounding soil.
A soaker hose or drip irrigation works best because it delivers water slowly to the root zone.
3. Mulch to Retain Moisture and Insulate Roots
After you plant arborvitae in spring, spread a two to three inch layer of organic mulch around the base.
Mulch helps keep the soil cool and moist which is exactly what new roots crave during warm spring days.
Just keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and pest issues.
Arborvitae benefit enormously from this simple step when planted in spring.
4. Stake Only If Necessary
You can plant arborvitae in spring without staking unless they are very tall or in a windy spot.
Most arborvitae develop stronger trunks when they are allowed to sway slightly in the breeze.
If you do stake, use soft ties and remove them after one growing season to avoid girdling.
Common Mistakes When You Plant Arborvitae in Spring
Avoid these errors so your arborvitae planted in spring thrive rather than struggle.
1. Planting Too Late in Spring
While you can plant arborvitae in spring, wait until after the last frost date in your area.
Planting too late when temperatures soar above 80 degrees can cause heat stress and transplant shock.
Aim for early to mid spring so roots establish before the heat of summer arrives.
Late spring planting is possible but requires extra vigilance with watering.
2. Overwatering or Underwatering
One of the biggest mistakes with arborvitae planted in spring is improper watering.
Overwatering leads to root rot while underwatering causes browning and dieback.
Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger a couple inches down; water only when it feels dry.
Consistency is key when you plant arborvitae in spring.
3. Ignoring Spacing Requirements
When you plant arborvitae in spring for a hedge, don’t crowd them too closely.
Spacing depends on the variety but generally allow three to four feet between smaller types and six feet for larger ones.
Proper air circulation prevents fungal diseases and keeps your arborvitae healthy as they grow.
Plan your planting layout before you put any arborvitae in the ground.
So, Can You Plant Arborvitae in Spring?
Yes, you can plant arborvitae in spring and it’s a fantastic time to do so.
Planting arborvitae in spring gives your trees the best chance to develop strong root systems before winter dormancy.
The combination of warming soil, natural rainfall, and a long growing season makes spring the ideal window.
Just follow the best practices we covered and avoid common mistakes to watch your arborvitae thrive.
Hope this guide helps you confidently plant arborvitae in spring and enjoy a lush, green hedge for years to come.