How To Keep Arborvitae From Turning Brown

To keep arborvitae from turning brown, you need to address the common causes like watering mistakes, pests, disease, and environmental stress before they damage your trees.

And this Miracle-Gro All Purpose Fertilizer on Amazon can be a practical addition for you, so click the link to check it out.

If you’ve noticed your arborvitae turning brown at the tips or in patches, don’t panic because the problem is often fixable with the right care.

The trick to how to keep arborvitae from turning brown lies in consistent maintenance and early detection, so you can stop the browning before it spreads.

In this post, we’ll cover the top reasons your arborvitae is turning brown and the best ways to keep arborvitae from turning brown for good.

Let’s dig into the details.

How to Keep Arborvitae From Turning Brown: The Main Causes

The best way to keep arborvitae from turning brown is to understand why it happens in the first place.
 
Once you know the culprits, you can stop arborvitae from turning brown by tackling each cause directly.
 

1. Watering Problems That Make Arborvitae Turn Brown

Both under-watering and over-watering can cause arborvitae turning brown, so finding the sweet spot is key.
 
When soil is too dry, the tree’s roots can’t deliver moisture to the foliage, leading to browning from the inside out.
 
On the other hand, soggy soil suffocates roots and invites root rot, which also turns foliage brown and brittle.
 
To keep arborvitae from turning brown due to water stress, water deeply once a week during dry spells and check soil moisture 2–3 inches down.
 
Aim for moist but not waterlogged conditions, and always water at the base rather than overhead to reduce disease.
 

2. Winter Burn and Temperature Stress

Winter burn is a huge reason arborvitae turning brown shows up in early spring, especially on the south and west sides.
 
Cold winds and bright winter sun cause the foliage to lose moisture faster than the frozen roots can replace it.
 
The result is that your arborvitae turns brown along the tips or on one side, often looking crispy and dry.
 
To prevent arborvitae from turning brown from winter burn, wrap young trees in burlap or install a windbreak before the first freeze.
 
Also, apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the root zone to insulate roots and hold moisture through the cold months.
 
If you live in a region with harsh winters, this step alone can keep arborvitae from turning brown year after year.
 

3. Pests That Cause Arborvitae to Turn Brown

Several insects can make your arborvitae turning brown a persistent problem if left untreated.
 
Spider mites are tiny but their feeding leaves the foliage speckled and eventually brown, especially in hot, dry weather.
 
Bagworms can defoliate entire branches, causing large brown patches that spread quickly through the tree.
 
Another pest is the arborvitae leafminer, whose larvae tunnel inside the leaves and cause them to yellow and then brown.
 
To keep arborvitae from turning brown from pests, inspect regularly for webbing, small bags, or discolored tips.
 
Use insecticidal soap for spider mites, handpick bagworms in fall or spring, and apply a systemic insecticide for leafminers if needed.
 
Catching pests early is one of the most effective ways to keep arborvitae from turning brown long term.
 

4. Fungal Diseases That Trigger Browning

Fungal infections like tip blight and root rot can also cause arborvitae turning brown, often starting at the tips or base.
 
Tip blight attacks new growth first, making the tips turn brown and curl while the inner foliage stays green for a while.
 
Root rot, on the other hand, leads to overall browning because the damaged roots can’t support the tree.
 
To prevent arvitae from turning brown from fungi, ensure good air circulation by spacing plants properly and pruning overcrowded branches.
 
Water only at the base and avoid overhead irrigation to keep foliage dry, and remove any infected branches immediately.
 
If the disease is severe, consider a fungicide labeled for arborvitae, applied in early spring before new growth appears.
 

Best Practices to Keep Arborvitae From Turning Brown

Beyond fixing specific problems, you can adopt a few maintenance habits that naturally keep arborvitae from turning brown all season.
 

1. Plant in the Right Spot

Location matters more than people realize when you want to keep arvitae from turning brown.
 
Choose a site with well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade, and avoid low areas where water pools.
 
Give each tree enough room to grow without crowding, so air can move freely through the branches.
 

2. Mulch and Feed Properly

A 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base helps keep roots cool and moist, which prevents stress-related browning.
 
Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) to give your trees the nutrients they need to stay green and strong.
 
Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can actually encourage tender growth that is more prone to browning.
 

3. Prune at the Right Time

Pruning during late spring or early summer helps remove dead or diseased branches before they lead to more browning.
 
Never prune in late fall because cut wounds won’t heal before winter, making your arborvitae turning brown even worse.
 
Use clean, sharp tools and make cuts just above a healthy bud or joint.
 

So, How to Keep Arborvitae From Turning Brown?

To keep arborvitae from turning brown, you need to water consistently, protect from winter burn, watch for pests and diseases, and plant in a good location.

And this Miracle-Gro All Purpose Fertilizer on Amazon can be a practical addition for you, so click the link to check it out.

There’s no single magic trick, but when you combine all these practices, you can keep arborvitae from turning brown nearly every time.

If your trees are already showing signs of browning, act fast by identifying the cause and correcting it immediately.

Most browning is reversible if caught early enough, especially when it comes to watering and minor pest issues.

Hope this guide helps you enjoy lush, green arborvitae all year round.

Happy gardening.