How To Keep Arborvitae From Dying

To keep arborvitae from dying, you need to focus on proper care and early problem detection.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to keep arborvitae from dying, the answer starts with understanding what causes them to decline.
 
Arborvitae are tough evergreens, but they can struggle with watering mistakes, pests, and winter damage.
 
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how to prevent arborvitae from dying and keep them healthy for years.
 
Let’s dive into how you can keep your arborvitae from dying once and for all.
 

Why Arborvitae Die and How to Keep Arborvitae From Dying

To keep arborvitae from dying, you first need to recognize why they start failing.
 
Arborvitae die most often from water stress, either too much or too little.
 
Other common reasons include poor soil drainage, pest infestations, and winter burn.
 
By learning these causes, you can take action long before your arborvitae start dying.
 
Here are the main reasons and how to stop arborvitae from dying because of them.
 

1. Overwatering or Underwatering

Overwatering suffocates roots and leads to root rot, which can kill arborvitae fast.
 
Underwatering, especially during dry spells, causes needles to brown and drop.
 
The key to keep arborvitae from dying is balanced moisture throughout the growing season.
 
Check soil moisture two inches deep before watering again.
 

2. Poor Soil Drainage

Arborvitae need well-draining soil to thrive.
 
If water pools around the roots, they can’t get oxygen and will start dying.
 
To keep arborvitae from dying in heavy clay soil, amend with compost or plant in raised beds.
 
Good drainage is a simple but critical step to prevent arborvitae from dying.
 

3. Winter Burn and Cold Damage

Winter wind and sun dry out arborvitae foliage when roots are frozen.
 
This causes browning and dieback, especially on the south and west sides.
 
Knowing how to keep arborvitae from dying in winter involves protection before the cold hits.
 

4. Pests Like Spider Mites and Bagworms

Spider mites suck sap, causing yellowing and needle loss.
 
Bagworms eat whole branches, weakening the plant until it begins dying.
 
Regular inspection and early treatment help keep arborvitae from dying from pests.
 

How to Water Arborvitae to Keep Them From Dying

Proper watering is one of the most effective ways to keep arborvitae from dying.
 
Arborvitae need about one inch of water per week during the growing season.
 
But how you apply that water matters just as much as the amount.
 
Here’s how to water so your arborvitae don’t start dying.
 

1. Water Deeply and Infrequently

Shallow water encourages weak roots, making arborvitae more likely to die.
 
Instead, water slowly so moisture reaches 12 to 18 inches deep.
 
This trains roots to go deep, which helps keep arborvitae from dying during droughts.
 

2. Use Mulch to Retain Moisture

Apply 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch around the base, but don’t touch the trunk.
 
Mulch keeps soil cool and moist, reducing the odds of arborvitae from dying due to dryness.
 
It also prevents weeds that compete for water.
 

3. Adjust Watering in Winter

Arborvitae continue to lose moisture through their needles in winter.
 
Water them thoroughly in late fall before the ground freezes.
 
This extra hydration helps keep arborvitae from dying from winter desiccation.
 

How to Protect Arborvitae in Winter and Prevent Dying

Winter is a common time for arborvitae to start dying unnoticed.
 
Harsh wind, sun, and temperature swings all damage foliage.
 
To keep arborvitae from dying during cold months, use these strategies.
 

1. Apply an Anti-Desiccant Spray

Anti-desiccant sprays coat needles and reduce water loss.
 
Apply them in late fall before temperatures drop below freezing.
 
This simple step can dramatically keep arborvitae from dying in exposed locations.
 

2. Wrap Young or Sensitive Arborvitae

Use burlap or landscape fabric to shield arborvitae from wind and sun.
 
Wrap loosely to allow airflow while blocking direct elements.
 
Wrapping is especially helpful to keep arborvitae from dying in their first few years.
 

3. Avoid Salt Exposure

Road salt can kill arborvitae by burning roots and needles.
 
Plant arborvitae away from driveways and sidewalks, or use salt alternatives.
 
This simple tip will help keep arborvitae from dying near salted areas.
 

How to Manage Pests and Diseases to Keep Arborvitae From Dying

Pests and diseases are major reasons arborvitae die.
 
Early detection makes it easier to keep arborvitae from dying when problems appear.
 
Here are the most common threats and how to handle them.
 

1. Spider Mites

Spider mites thrive in hot, dry conditions and cause yellow stippling.
 
Hose off the foliage with a strong stream of water to dislodge them.
 
In severe cases, use insecticidal soap or miticide to keep arborvitae from dying.
 

2. Bagworms

Bagworms create silk bags and feed on needles all summer.
 
Pick off visible bags by hand in fall or winter when they’re dormant.
 
For heavy infestations, spray with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to keep arborvitae from dying.
 

3. Root Rot and Fungal Diseases

Root rot is caused by soil that stays too wet.
 
Improve drainage and avoid overwatering to prevent this disease.
 
Fungal infections like blight require pruning of affected branches and fungicide treatment.
 

So, How to Keep Arborvitae From Dying?

To keep arborvitae from dying, water deeply, mulch well, and protect them from winter extremes.
 
Keep an eye out for pests like spider mites and bagworms, and treat them early.
 
With proper soil drainage and consistent care, your arborvitae can thrive for decades.
 
I hope this guide helped you understand exactly how to keep arborvitae from dying in your landscape.