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To plant emerald arborvitae, you need to choose the right location and follow a few key steps for success.
If you’ve been wondering how to plant emerald arborvitae to create a beautiful privacy screen, the process is simpler than you think.
Learning how to plant emerald arborvitae properly ensures these evergreens thrive and grow into lush, vibrant trees.
In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about how to plant emerald arborvitae, from site prep to aftercare.
Let’s dig in and get those arborvitae in the ground.
How to Plant Emerald Arborvitae the Right Way
When you learn how to plant emerald arborvitae, the first thing to understand is that location matters a lot.
These trees can grow up to 15 feet tall and 4 feet wide, so giving them room is essential.
Here is the step-by-step process for how to plant emerald arborvitae successfully.
1. Choose a Spot with the Right Sunlight
Emerald arborvitae thrive in full sun to partial shade.
When you plant emerald arborvitae, aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Too much shade can make them grow thin and leggy, so pick a bright spot.
If you are planting multiple trees, make sure each one gets enough light.
2. Prepare the Soil Before You Plant
Before you plant emerald arborvitae, test the soil drainage.
These trees prefer moist, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Mix in compost or aged manure to enrich the soil when you plant emerald arborvitae.
Good soil prep gives your trees a strong start and reduces transplant shock.
If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with organic matter before you plant emerald arborvitae.
3. Dig the Right Size Hole
When you plant emerald arborvitae, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball.
The hole should be just as deep as the root ball, not deeper.
Setting the tree too deep is a common mistake when people plant emerald arborvitae.
The root flare needs to be at or slightly above the soil line.
4. Space Them Correctly for a Hedge
If you plant emerald arborvitae as a privacy hedge, space them 3 to 4 feet apart.
For a more natural look, you can space them a bit wider when you plant emerald arborvitae.
Proper spacing allows air to circulate and keeps the trees healthy.
Crowding them too close leads to disease and poor growth over time.
5. Backfill and Water Thoroughly
After you place the tree in the hole, backfill with the original soil mixed with compost.
Tamp down gently to remove air pockets when you plant emerald arborvitae.
Water deeply right away to settle the soil around the roots.
This initial watering is critical for helping them establish.
Aftercare Tips When You Plant Emerald Arborvitae
Once you plant emerald arborvitae, the work does not stop.
Aftercare is critical to help them establish strong roots and grow well.
1. Water Deeply and Consistently
Right after you plant emerald arborvitae, water them thoroughly.
For the first few weeks, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
A deep watering once a week is better than shallow daily sprinkles when you plant emerald arborvitae.
During hot spells, you may need to water more often.
Stick your finger in the soil to check moisture before watering again.
2. Mulch Around the Base
Applying 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the base helps retain moisture after you plant emerald arborvitae.
Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
Mulch also helps regulate soil temperature and suppress weeds.
This simple step makes a big difference in the first year.
3. Fertilize Lightly in Spring
If you plant emerald arborvitae in spring, wait a few weeks before fertilizing.
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreens.
Over-fertilizing can burn the roots, so follow package instructions carefully.
A light feeding in early spring supports healthy growth all season.
Common Mistakes When People Plant Emerald Arborvitae
Avoid these pitfalls when you learn how to plant emerald arborvitae.
1. Planting Too Deep
One of the biggest mistakes when people plant emerald arborvitae is burying the trunk.
The root flare should be at or just above the soil line when you plant emerald arborvitae.
Planting too deep restricts oxygen to the roots and causes rot.
2. Overwatering or Underwatering
Both extremes stress the trees after you plant emerald arborvitae.
Stick your finger in the soil to check moisture before watering again.
Consistent moisture is key, especially in the first year.
Too much water drowns the roots, while too little dries them out.
3. Skimping on Spacing
Crowding them too close together when you plant emerald arborvitae leads to poor airflow.
This can cause disease and dieback over time.
Give each tree enough room to grow to its full size.
Trust the spacing guidelines when you plant emerald arborvitae for a hedge.
4. Ignoring Soil Conditions
Poor soil drainage is a silent killer for emerald arborvitae.
If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with organic matter when you plant emerald arborvitae.
Raised beds or mounds can also improve drainage.
Always test your soil before you plant emerald arborvitae.
So, How to Plant Emerald Arborvitae?
To plant emerald arborvitae, you need to choose the right location, prepare the soil, and follow a few key steps for success.
When you plant emerald arborvitae properly, these evergreens reward you with dense, vibrant growth year after year.
Hope this guide has helped you understand exactly how to plant emerald arborvitae and enjoy a thriving hedge or accent tree.