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.
To plant evergreen arborvitae, you need to choose the right location and follow a few key steps for the best results.
Planting evergreen arborvitae properly ensures your trees grow strong and stay lush for years.
If you’re wondering how to plant evergreen arborvitae successfully, this guide walks you through everything from site prep to aftercare.
Plant your evergreen arborvitae in well‑draining soil with plenty of sunlight for thriving growth.
In this post, we’ll cover why planting evergreen arborvitae correctly matters, the best time to plant, a step‑by‑step method, and essential aftercare tips.
Let’s dig in.
Why Proper Planting of Evergreen Arborvitae Matters
Planting evergreen arborvitae the right way sets the foundation for a healthy, dense privacy screen or accent tree.
Poor planting leads to stunted growth, yellowing foliage, or even tree loss.
Here’s why getting it right is so important when you plant evergreen arborvitae:
1. Root Development Depends on Good Soil Preparation
When you plant evergreen arborvitae, the roots need loose, aerated soil to spread quickly.
If the soil is compacted or too clay‑heavy, roots struggle to establish.
Proper soil preparation when planting evergreen arborvitae gives the root system room to anchor and absorb water efficiently.
2. Correct Depth Prevents Root Rot
One common mistake when planting evergreen arborvitae is burying the trunk too deep.
The root flare should sit just above the soil line.
Planting evergreen arborvitae at the right depth keeps the crown dry and reduces the risk of fungal diseases.
3. Spacing Ensures Good Airflow and Light
If you plant evergreen arborvitae too close together, branches can’t get enough sunlight or air circulation.
This leads to bare lower branches and pest problems.
Proper spacing when planting evergreen arborvitae allows each tree to grow full and symmetrical.
4. Correct Watering After Planting Evergreen Arborvitae Prevents Stress
Newly planted arborvitae need consistent moisture to settle in.
But overwatering after you plant evergreen arborvitae can drown the roots.
Understanding these basics of planting evergreen arborvitae helps avoid common pitfalls.
When to Plant Evergreen Arborvitae
Timing is critical when you plant evergreen arborvitae.
The best time to plant evergreen arborvitae is during the cooler months of early spring or early fall.
Here’s a breakdown of the ideal planting windows:
1. Early Spring – After the Last Frost
Planting evergreen arborvitae in early spring gives the roots a full growing season to establish before winter.
Aim for soil temperatures above 50°F.
If you plant evergreen arborvitae too early while the ground is still frozen, roots won’t grow.
2. Early Fall – Six Weeks Before Hard Freeze
Fall planting evergreen arborvitae benefits from warm soil and cooler air.
The tree can focus on root growth instead of top growth.
Just make sure to plant evergreen arborvitae at least six weeks before your first expected frost.
3. Avoid Summer Heat and Winter Freeze
Planting evergreen arborvitae in midsummer puts it under heat stress.
Similarly, planting in frozen ground during winter is impossible.
Choosing the right time to plant evergreen arborvitae increases your success rate dramatically.
Step‑by‑Step Guide to Plant Evergreen Arborvitae
Now let’s get into the actual process of how to plant evergreen arborvitae step by step.
Follow these instructions each time you plant evergreen arborvitae:
1. Choose a Sunny Location with Well‑Draining Soil
Evergreen arborvitae thrives in full sun to partial shade, but six hours of direct light is ideal.
Before you plant evergreen arborvitae, test drainage by digging a hole and filling it with water.
If the water drains within a few hours, you’re good to go.
2. Dig a Hole Twice as Wide as the Root Ball
To plant evergreen arborvitae correctly, the hole should be about two to three times the width of the container or root ball.
The depth should match the height of the root ball exactly.
Loosen the soil around the edges so roots can push outward easily when you plant evergreen arborvitae.
3. Remove the Pot and Loosen Roots
Gently take your arborvitae out of its nursery pot.
If roots are circling the root ball, carefully tease them apart.
This step when planting evergreen arborvitae encourages roots to spread outward instead of girdling.
4. Place the Tree in the Hole at the Correct Depth
Set the arborvitae in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding ground.
Do not bury the trunk deeper than it was in the pot.
Backfill with the original soil—no heavy amendments needed—when you plant evergreen arborvitae.
5. Water Deeply and Add Mulch
After you plant evergreen arborvitae, give it a deep, slow watering to settle the soil around the roots.
Apply a 2‑to‑3‑inch layer of organic mulch (bark or wood chips) around the base, but keep it away from the trunk.
Water your newly planted evergreen arborvitae weekly during the first growing season if rain is scarce.
Aftercare for Your Evergreen Arborvitae
Once you plant evergreen arborvitae, the job isn’t over.
Proper aftercare ensures your arborvitae establishes quickly and stays vibrant.
1. Water Consistently but Don’t Drown It
For the first month after planting evergreen arborvitae, keep the root zone evenly moist.
After that, reduce watering to once a week unless it’s very hot.
Overwatering after you plant evergreen arborvitae is a common cause of root rot.
2. Fertilize Lightly the Following Spring
Don’t fertilize immediately after you plant evergreen arborvitae.
Wait until the next spring, then use a balanced, slow‑release fertilizer formulated for evergreens.
Too much nitrogen when planting evergreen arborvitae can burn tender new roots.
3. Protect from Winter Burn and Deer
Evergreen arborvitae can suffer from winter desiccation if exposed to harsh winds.
Wrap burlap around your trees or erect a wind barrier after you plant evergreen arborvitae in exposed areas.
Deer love nibbling on arborvitae foliage, so consider fencing or repellents after planting evergreen arborvitae.
4. Prune Only for Shape in Early Spring
Arborvitae rarely need pruning, but you can trim back wayward branches in early spring.
Avoid cutting into old wood that has no green needles, as it won’t regrow.
Pruning after you plant evergreen arborvitae should be minimal for the first two years.
So, How to Plant Evergreen Arborvitae?
To plant evergreen arborvitae, you need to choose a sunny spot with well‑draining soil, dig a wide hole at the correct depth, water deeply, and mulch.
Planting evergreen arborvitae in early spring or early fall gives the tree the best start.
Follow the step‑by‑step method above every time you plant evergreen arborvitae, and pair it with consistent aftercare.
Whether you install a privacy hedge or a single specimen, successful planting evergreen arborvitae comes down to good soil prep, proper depth, and regular watering.
Enjoy the lush green beauty your arborvitae will bring for decades.