This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
You can get arborvitae green again by identifying what caused it to lose color in the first place.
And this Miracle-Gro All Purpose Fertilizer on Amazon can be a practical addition for you, so click the link to check it out.
Whether your arborvitae has turned brown from winter burn, drought, pests, or poor soil, you can get arborvitae green again with the right care.
Many homeowners notice their arborvitae looking faded and wonder how to get arborvitae green again after a rough season.
The great news is that most arborvitae bounce back once you address the underlying issue.
If you’ve been asking how to get arborvitae green again, this guide will walk you through every step.
Learning how to get arborvitae green again is simpler than you might think.
Let’s look at the most common causes and how to get arborvitae green again for good.
Why Arborvitae Turns Brown and How to Get Arborvitae Green Again
Before you can get arborvitae green again, you must understand why it turned brown.
Different causes require different solutions to get arborvitae green again.
1. Winter Burn Dries Out the Foliage
Winter burn occurs when cold winds and bright sunshine pull moisture from the leaves.
The roots are frozen and can’t replace that lost water.
This causes the tips and outer foliage to turn brown or reddish.
If winter burn is the problem, you can get arborvitae green again by waiting for spring growth.
Once new shoots appear, prune away the dead tips.
This simple step helps you get arborvitae green again as the fresh growth fills in.
2. Drought Stress Leads to Browning
Arborvitae need consistent moisture to stay vibrant and green.
When the soil dries out too much, the foliage starts to brown from the inside out.
If drought is the issue, you can get arborvitae green again by watering deeply and regularly.
A thorough soaking once a week during dry spells makes a big difference.
Once the roots have enough water, you will get arborvitae green again as new growth emerges.
And this Miracle-Gro All Purpose Fertilizer on Amazon can be a practical addition for you, so click the link to check it out.
3. Spider Mites Cause Yellowing and Bronzing
Spider mites are tiny pests that suck sap from arborvitae needles.
Their feeding causes a yellow or bronze discoloration that looks like the plant is dying.
If pests are the culprit, you can get arborvitae green again by treating the infestation quickly.
Spray the foliage with a strong blast of water to knock mites off.
For tougher cases, insecticidal soap or neem oil works well to get arborvitae green again.
4. Dog Urine Can Cause Brown Patches
Dog urine contains high levels of nitrogen that can burn arborvitae foliage.
If your dog regularly visits the same spot, you may see brown patches at that height.
To get arborvitae green again after urine damage, flush the soil with water.
Diluting the nitrogen helps the roots recover.
Training your dog away from the area also helps you get arborvitae green again long term.
5. Planting Too Deeply Restricts Roots
Arborvitae planted too deep often struggle with poor color.
When the root ball is buried, the roots can’t get enough oxygen.
If planting depth is the problem, you may need to replant higher.
Correcting the depth helps you get arborvitae green again by allowing roots to breathe.
Watering Practices to Get Arborvitae Green Again
Proper watering is one of the most effective ways to get arborvitae green again.
Without the right moisture level, your arborvitae will stay dull and faded.
1. Water Deeply and Less Often
Shallow watering encourages weak surface roots that dry out quickly.
Instead, water deeply so moisture reaches the entire root zone.
A long, slow soak once a week is ideal during dry weather.
Deep watering helps you get arborvitae green again by supporting strong root health.
2. Mulch to Retain Moisture
Mulch acts like a blanket that keeps the soil cool and moist.
Apply two to three inches of organic mulch around the base without touching the trunk.
This simple practice helps you get arborvitae green again by reducing water loss.
Mulch also moderates soil temperature, which helps the roots stay active.
3. Check Soil Moisture Regularly
Stick your finger about two inches into the soil near the roots.
If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
If it feels wet, wait a few days before watering again.
Monitoring moisture levels helps you get arborvitae green again by avoiding both drought and overwatering.
Soil and Nutrient Fixes to Get Arborvitae Green Again
Poor soil conditions can prevent your arborvitae from looking green and lush.
If you’re struggling to get arborvitae green again, start with the soil.
1. Test Your Soil pH
Arborvitae prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
If the pH is too high or too low, nutrients become locked in the soil.
Getting the pH in the right range is essential to get arborvitae green again.
Use lime to raise the pH or sulfur to lower it as needed.
2. Fertilize in Early Spring
Use a slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreens.
Apply it in early spring just before new growth begins.
Avoid fertilizing after late summer because tender new growth can be damaged by frost.
Fertilizing correctly helps you get arborvitae green again by supplying key nutrients.
3. Add Compost for Organic Matter
Compost improves soil structure and feeds beneficial microorganisms.
Mix a few inches of compost into the top layer of soil around your arborvitae each spring.
Adding organic matter helps you get arborvitae green again by improving root health.
Healthy roots mean healthy, green foliage above ground.
Pest and Disease Solutions to Get Arborvitae Green Again
Pests and diseases can rob your arborvitae of its green color quickly.
Acting fast is the best way to get arborvitae green again when bugs or infections strike.
1. Treat Spider Mites Promptly
Spider mites thrive in hot, dry conditions and multiply rapidly.
Spray the foliage with a strong stream of water every few days to disrupt them.
For heavy infestations, use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Early treatment helps you get arborvitae green again before the damage becomes severe.
2. Manage Fungal Diseases Quickly
Tip blight and root rot are common fungal issues for arborvitae.
Prune away any dead or diseased branches and dispose of them.
Improve air circulation around the plant by thinning nearby growth.
If a fungal disease is present, applying a copper-based fungicide can help you get arborvitae green again.
3. Control Bagworms Before They Spread
Bagworms are caterpillars that build protective cases on arborvitae branches.
They feed on the foliage and can cause significant browning.
Handpick the bags off in late fall or early spring before eggs hatch.
For larger infestations, use a bacterial insecticide called Bt to get arborvitae green again.
So, How to Get Arborvitae Green Again?
You can get arborvitae green again by pinpointing the cause of browning and taking the right action.
Winter burn, drought, pests, dog urine, planting depth, and poor soil all require slightly different fixes.
And this Miracle-Gro All Purpose Fertilizer on Amazon can be a practical addition for you, so click the link to check it out.
The most reliable way to get arborvitae green again is to water deeply, mulch well, and address pests early.
Test your soil, fertilize in spring, and prune away dead growth as needed.
With consistent care and a little patience, you will get arborvitae green again and enjoy a healthy, beautiful hedge.
Hope this guide helps you successfully get arborvitae green again in your own yard.