How To Revive Brown Arborvitae

You can revive brown arborvitae if the browning is not caused by irreversible root rot or complete death.
 
Many homeowners panic when they see arborvitae turning brown, but reviving arborvitae is often possible with the right approach.
 
The key to how to revive arborvitae lies in identifying the cause, acting quickly, and providing consistent care.
 
Brown arborvitae can sometimes bounce back within a few weeks if the underlying issue is addressed.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through the steps to revive brown arborvitae and help your evergreens return to their lush green glory.
 
Let’s dive in and learn how to revive arborvitae the right way.
 

How to Revive Brown Arborvitae: First Steps

The first thing to understand when you want to revive arborvitae is that not all brown arborvitae is dead.
 
You need to assess the damage before taking action to revive brown arborvitae effectively.
 

1. Check for Signs of Life

Before you attempt to revive arborvitae, scratch the bark on a brown branch with your fingernail.
 
If you see green tissue underneath, the arborvitae is still alive and reviving arborvitae is possible.
 
If the tissue is brown and dry, that branch may be dead, but the rest of the plant could be salvageable.
 
This simple test is the starting point for how to revive arborvitae from browning.
 

2. Water Thoroughly and Deeply

One of the most common reasons arborvitae turn brown is drought stress.
 
To revive brown arborvitae, give the root zone a deep soaking once or twice a week during dry spells.
 
Slow, deep watering encourages roots to grow deeper and helps brown arborvitae regain moisture.
 
Avoid light sprinkling, as it doesn’t reach the root ball and won’t help revive arborvitae.
 

3. Remove Dead or Dying Branches

Pruning off completely brown and crispy branches allows the plant to focus energy on healthy growth.
 
Use clean, sharp pruners and cut back to live wood or the main trunk.
 
This step in reviving arborvitae prevents disease spread and improves airflow.
 

Common Causes of Brown Arborvitae and How to Fix Them

To truly revive arborvitae, you must understand what caused the browning in the first place.
 
Once you know the trigger, how to revive arborvitae becomes much clearer.
 

1. Winter Burn and Wind Damage

In cold climates, arborvitae often turn brown due to winter burn from drying winds and frozen soil.
 
To revive arborvitae after winter burn, wait until spring and prune away damaged foliage.
 
Then water deeply and apply an anti-desiccant spray next fall to prevent recurrence.
 

2. Pests Like Spider Mites and Bagworms

Pests can cause brown arborvitae by sucking sap or eating needles.
 
To revive arborvitae damaged by pests, apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil according to label directions.
 
If bagworms are present, remove the bags by hand before they hatch.
 
Regular monitoring is essential when reviving arborvitae from pest issues.
 

3. Fungal Diseases

Fungal infections like tip blight or root rot can turn arborvitae brown from the inside out.
 
To revive brown arborvitae with fungal problems, improve drainage and prune infected branches.
 
Apply a copper-based fungicide in early spring as a preventive measure.
 
Disinfect your tools between cuts to avoid spreading the disease while reviving arborvitae.
 

4. Poor Soil and Improper Planting

Arborvitae planted too deep or in compacted soil often struggle and turn brown.
 
To revive arborvitae in these conditions, gently expose the root flare and amend the soil with compost.
 
Make sure the planting hole is twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper.
 
Improving the root zone is a critical part of how to revive arborvitae long term.
 

Best Practices to Revive Arborvitae After Browning

Once you’ve addressed the cause, use these best practices to help brown arborvitae fully recover.
 
Consistent care is the secret to reviving arborvitae successfully.
 

1. Apply a Balanced Fertilizer

In early spring, feed your arborvitae with a slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreens.
 
This gives the plant nutrients to push new green growth when you’re trying to revive arborvitae.
 
Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can stress already weakened brown arborvitae.
 

2. Mulch the Base

Spread a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk.
 
Mulch retains moisture, moderates soil temperature, and reduces competition from weeds.
 
This simple step supports every effort to revive brown arborvitae.
 

3. Provide Winter Protection

If you need to revive arborvitae after winter damage, protect them next winter with burlap wraps or windbreaks.
 
Water deeply in late fall before the ground freezes to prevent desiccation.
 
Prevention is easier than reviving arborvitae repeatedly.
 

So, How to Revive Brown Arborvitae?

You can revive brown arborvitae if the browning is not caused by irreversible root rot or complete death.
 
The process involves checking for green tissue, watering deeply, pruning dead wood, and fixing the root cause.
 
Whether you’re reviving arborvitae from winter burn, pests, or drought, patience and consistency pay off.
 
Brown arborvitae can often be brought back to health with proper care and a little time.
 
We hope this guide on how to revive arborvitae helps you restore your evergreens to their vibrant green beauty.