How Deep Do You Plant Arborvitae

You should plant arborvitae at the same depth they were growing in their nursery container for the best chance of survival.
 
How deep you plant arborvitae is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make when putting these evergreens in the ground.
 
Getting the planting depth wrong can lead to root rot, stunted growth, or even tree death over time.
 
If you’re wondering how deep to plant arborvitae, the simple rule is never bury the trunk or cover the root flare with soil.
 
The root flare is the slight swelling where the roots meet the trunk, and it needs to breathe above ground.
 
In this post, we’ll cover exactly how deep do you plant arborvitae, why depth matters so much, and step-by-step tips to get it right every time.
 
Let’s dig into the details on planting arborvitae at the correct depth.
 

How Deep Do You Plant Arborvitae?

The answer to how deep do you plant arborvitae is straightforward: plant them so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil.
 
When you plant arborvitae too deep, you risk suffocating the roots and inviting fungal diseases.
 
Here are the key points to keep in mind for planting arborvitae at the right depth:
 

1. Match the Nursery Container Depth

Look at the soil line on the root ball from when the arborvitae was in its pot.
 
How deep to plant arborvitae is exactly to that same line, no deeper and no shallower.
 
If the root ball is wrapped in burlap, remove any excess burlap from the top before backfilling.
 
You want the roots to transition naturally into the ground without being buried too deep.
 

2. Never Cover the Root Flare

The root flare is your best visual guide for how deep do you plant arborvitae.
 
If the root flare is covered with soil, the bark can stay wet and rot.
 
When you plant arborvitae, gently scrape away any loose soil from the top of the root ball until you see the flare.
 
This small step ensures the tree can take in oxygen directly through its trunk base.
 

3. Account for Settling

Soil settles after watering, so how deep to plant arborvitae should account for a little drop.
 
Many gardeners plant the root ball one to two inches higher than ground level to compensate.
 
This way, after the soil settles, the arborvitae ends up at exactly the right depth.
 
If you plant arborvitae perfectly level and it sinks, it may end up too deep.
 

Why Planting Arborvitae Depth Matters

Understanding why depth matters helps you remember how deep do you plant arborvitae every time you set a new tree in the ground.
 
Here’s what happens when you get the planting arborvitae depth wrong:
 

1. Too Deep Causes Root Suffocation

When you plant arborvitae too deep, the roots can’t get enough oxygen.
 
Arborvitae roots need air as much as they need water, and buried soil cuts off that supply.
 
Over time, the roots weaken and can’t support the top growth.
 
This is one of the most common reasons newly planted arborvitae turn brown and die.
 

2. Too Shallow Leaves Roots Exposed

If you plant arborvitae too shallow, the roots may dry out quickly and struggle to anchor the tree.
 
Wind can easily topple a young arborvitae with shallow roots.
 
The ideal planting arborvitae depth keeps the root ball just barely covered, so roots stay moist but not waterlogged.
 
A good rule of thumb is that the top inch of roots should feel cool and damp but never sitting in standing water.
 

3. Depth Affects Winter Hardiness

How deep do you plant arborvitae also influences how well they survive cold weather.
 
Deeply planted arborvitae are more prone to frost heave, where freezing soil pushes the tree upward.
 
Shallowly planted ones may have roots exposed to icy winds.
 
Correct planting arborvitae depth helps the tree establish a sturdy root system that can handle winter stress.
 

Tips for Planting Arborvitae at the Correct Depth

Now that you know how deep to plant arborvitae, here are practical tips to make sure you do it right.
 

1. Dig the Hole Wider Than It Is Deep

The hole for planting arborvitae should be two to three times the width of the root ball.
 
But the depth should be just slightly shallower than the root ball height.
 
This encourages roots to spread outward instead of growing in a circle.
 
Remember: how deep do you plant arborvitae is determined by the hole depth, not by how much soil you add later.
 

2. Use a Board or Tool to Check Level

Lay a straight board or shovel handle across the hole before you backfill.
 
Set the arborvitae root ball in the hole and check that the top of the ball is even with or slightly above the board.
 
This simple test gives you a precise answer for how deep to plant arborvitae without guessing.
 
Adjust the soil under the root ball until it sits at the perfect height.
 

3. Backfill with Native Soil Only

When you plant arborvitae, use the original soil you dug out.
 
Avoid adding compost or potting mix directly into the hole, as that can create a “pot” effect where roots stay inside the rich soil and don’t spread.
 
Tamp the soil gently as you fill to remove air pockets, but don’t pack it too tight.
 
Water deeply after planting to settle the soil around the roots at the proper planting arborvitae depth.
 

4. Mulch, Don’t Volcano

Add a two- to three-inch layer of mulch around the arborvitae, but keep it away from the trunk.
 
Mulch helps retain moisture and moderate soil temperature without affecting how deep do you plant arborvitae.
 
Never pile mulch up against the trunk like a volcano, that creates a moist environment that can rot the bark.
 
Leave a small doughnut of bare soil right around the root flare.
 

So, How Deep Do You Plant Arborvitae?

You should plant arborvitae at the same depth they were growing in their nursery container for the best chance of survival.
 
How deep do you plant arborvitae is simply to the top of the root ball, never burying the trunk or covering the root flare.
 
If you follow the guidelines we covered—matching container depth, avoiding too deep or too shallow, and checking with a board—you’ll give your arborvitae the perfect start.
 
Remember that planting arborvitae at the correct depth is more important than almost any other factor for long-term health.
 
Arborvitae that are planted at the right depth grow stronger, resist pests better, and thrive for years in your landscape.
 
So next time you’re ready to set a new arborvitae in the ground, think back to this guide and plant with confidence.
 
Your arborvitae will thank you with lush green growth season after season.