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Planting arborvitae shrubs requires careful site selection and proper digging technique.
How to plant arborvitae shrubs starts with understanding that these evergreens need well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
If you’re wondering how to plant arborvitae shrubs, the process involves preparing the root ball, digging a hole twice as wide as the container, and backfilling with native soil.
Getting the depth right is essential because planting too deep is the number one killer of newly planted arborvitae.
In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about how to plant arborvitae shrubs so they thrive for years.
Let’s dig into how to plant arborvitae shrubs the right way.
How to Plant Arborvitae Shrubs: Step-by-Step Guide
How to plant arborvitae shrubs begins long before you put a shovel in the ground.
Proper planning ensures these evergreens establish strong root systems and grow lush and full.
Let’s break down each step for how to plant arborvitae shrubs successfully.
1. Choose the Right Location for Your Arborvitae
Where you plant arborvitae shrubs determines how well they grow over the long term.
Arborvitae shrubs need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for dense foliage.
They also need space to spread since some varieties like Green Giant grow ten feet wide or more at maturity.
When you plant arborvitae shrubs, avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Arborvitae roots rot quickly in soggy soil so good drainage is non-negotiable for success.
Measure the mature width of your chosen variety and give them room to grow naturally.
2. Prepare the Soil Before You Plant Arborvitae Shrubs
Soil preparation is critical when you learn how to plant arborvitae shrubs correctly.
Arborvitae prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with good drainage.
Test your soil pH and amend if needed with lime or sulfur for best results.
Mix in two to three inches of organic compost to improve drainage and add nutrients.
How to plant arborvitae shrubs successfully depends on loose, workable soil.
Remove any grass or weeds from the planting area to reduce competition for moisture and nutrients.
3. Dig the Planting Hole Correctly
How to plant arborvitae shrubs requires digging the hole at the right depth and width.
The hole should be as deep as the root ball and two to three times wider.
Wider holes encourage roots to spread outward into the surrounding soil.
Scratch the sides of the hole so roots can penetrate easily.
Don’t dig too deep because planting too low causes stem rot and suffocates roots.
The top of the root ball should sit level with the ground when you plant arborvitae shrubs.
4. Plant Arborvitae Shrubs at the Right Depth
Now comes the actual moment to plant arborvitae shrubs in the ground.
Remove the shrub from its container and loosen circling roots gently with your fingers.
Place the root ball so the top sits even with the surrounding ground.
Backfill with native soil and pat down gently to remove air pockets around roots.
Water deeply right after you plant arborvitae shrubs to settle the soil around roots.
This initial watering is crucial for removing any remaining air pockets in the hole.
5. Space Arborvitae Shrubs Properly
How to plant arborvitae shrubs includes spacing them according to their mature size.
For a hedge, space arborvitae three to four feet apart for most varieties.
For specimen planting, give them even more room to develop naturally.
Proper spacing prevents competition for water and sunlight between plants.
Always check the tag on your specific variety before you plant arborvitae shrubs.
How to Plant Arborvitae Shrubs for Healthy Establishment
How to plant arborvitae shrubs doesn’t end after backfilling the hole.
Post-planting care ensures your shrubs establish quickly and stay healthy.
Here’s what to do after you plant arborvitae shrubs for long-term success.
1. Water Consistently After Planting Arborvitae Shrubs
Water is the most important factor after you plant arborvitae shrubs.
Keep the soil consistently moist for the first growing season.
Deep watering once or twice weekly is better than shallow daily sprinkling.
How to plant arborvitae shrubs with success means never letting the root ball dry out completely.
Use a soaker hose for deep, even moisture penetration around the root zone.
Check soil moisture by sticking your finger a few inches into the soil near the roots.
2. Mulch Around Your Arborvitae Shrubs
Mulching helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature around new roots.
Apply two to three inches of organic mulch like wood chips or bark.
Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
Mulch also suppresses weeds that compete for water and nutrients.
Replenish the mulch layer each spring after you plant arborvitae shrubs.
3. Fertilize After Planting Arborvitae Shrubs
Do not fertilize immediately when you plant arborvitae shrubs.
Wait until the second growing season before applying a balanced slow-release fertilizer.
Early fertilization can burn tender new roots and harm the shrub.
How to plant arborvitae shrubs includes being patient with feeding.
A light application of compost each spring is plenty for the first year.
Common Mistakes When You Plant Arborvitae Shrubs
Even experienced gardeners make errors when learning how to plant arborvitae shrubs.
Avoid these pitfalls for the best results with your planting project.
1. Planting Arborvitae Shrubs Too Deep
One of the biggest mistakes when you plant arborvitae shrubs is burying the trunk.
The root ball flare should be visible at the soil surface.
Planting too deep suffocates roots and invites fungal disease.
Always double-check the depth before you fill the hole back in.
2. Overcrowding Arborvitae Shrubs
How to plant arborvitae shrubs includes giving them enough elbow room.
Don’t crowd them together for instant privacy.
Overcrowded plants compete for water and airflow.
This leads to weak growth and pest problems over time.
Trust the spacing guidelines on the plant tag when you plant arborvitae shrubs.
3. Neglecting Water After You Plant Arborvitae Shrubs
How to plant arborvitae shrubs requires consistent watering afterward.
Skipping water even for a few days can stress new transplants severely.
Arborvitae have shallow roots that dry out quickly in hot weather.
Set a reminder to check moisture levels every few days after you plant arborvitae shrubs.
4. Planting at the Wrong Time of Year
Timing matters when you learn how to plant arborvitae shrubs.
The best time to plant arborvitae shrubs is early spring or early fall.
Avoid planting during the heat of summer or when the ground is frozen.
Cooler temperatures give roots time to establish before extreme weather arrives.
So, How to Plant Arborvitae Shrubs the Right Way?
Planting arborvitae shrubs requires careful site selection and proper digging technique.
How to plant arborvitae shrubs involves preparing the soil, digging a wide shallow hole, placing the root ball at the correct depth, and watering deeply.
How to plant arborvitae shrubs successfully also means avoiding common mistakes like planting too deep or overcrowding.
With these steps, you can plant arborvitae shrubs with confidence and enjoy their beauty for decades.
Happy planting.