How To Save Brown Arborvitae Trees In Summer

You can save brown arborvitae trees in summer by quickly identifying and fixing the stress factors turning them brown.

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

Summer heat, drought, pests, and even overwatering can all cause arborvitae foliage to discolor.

The good news is that with the right care, many brown arborvitae trees can green back up and thrive again.

In this post, we’ll cover how to save brown arborvitae trees in summer, what causes the browning, and the steps you can take right now.

Let’s dive into saving your arborvitae before the season gets worse.

How to Save Brown Arborvitae Trees in Summer: The Main Causes

Before you can save brown arborvitae trees, you need to know what’s turning them brown in the first place.
 
Summer stress hits arborvitae hard, and the common culprits fall into a few categories.
 

1. Drought Stress and Heat Stress

When summer temperatures climb and rain is scarce, your arborvitae lose moisture faster than they can absorb it.
 
New growth and interior foliage turn brown first as the tree tries to conserve water.
 
To save brown arborvitae trees, check the soil moisture a few inches deep.
 
If it’s bone dry, your tree is suffering from drought.
 
Heat stress can also happen when the sun beats down on exposed roots or reflected heat from a wall or driveway.
 

2. Pest Infestations

Spider mites and bagworms are common summer pests that turn arborvitae brown.
 
These tiny insects feed on the sap and needles, causing yellowing then browning.
 
If you see fine webbing or small bags hanging from branches, pests are the reason your arborvitae is brown.
 
Treating pests early is key to saving your tree.
 

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

3. Overwatering or Poor Drainage

It sounds counterintuitive, but too much water also leads to browning.
 
When roots sit in soggy soil, they rot and can’t deliver nutrients to the foliage.
 
The result is brown tips and a sickly appearance.
 
To save brown arborvitae trees, make sure the soil drains well and you’re not watering every day.
 

Watering Techniques to Save Brown Arborvitae Trees in Summer

Water is the most direct tool you have to save brown arborvitae trees during hot months.
 
But how you water matters just as much as how often.
 

1. Deep and Infrequent Watering

Shallow sprinkling encourages shallow roots that dry out fast.
 
Instead, give your tree a long, slow soak that reaches 6–8 inches deep.
 
This encourages deep root growth and helps the tree handle summer heat better.
 
Water once or twice a week, depending on rainfall and temperature.
 

2. Water in the Morning

Morning watering lets moisture soak in before the sun evaporates it.
 
Evening watering leaves foliage wet overnight, which can invite fungal diseases.
 
To save brown arborvitae trees, aim to water between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m.
 

3. Use Mulch to Retain Moisture

Spread a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch (like wood chips or pine bark) around the base of your arborvitae.
 
Mulch keeps soil cooler, reduces evaporation, and prevents weed competition.
 
Don’t pile mulch against the trunk—leave a few inches of space to avoid rot.
 
This simple step goes a long way in saving brown arborvitae trees.
 

Other Care Tips to Save Brown Arborvitae Trees in Summer

Watering alone may not be enough if other stressors are at play.
 
Here are additional ways to save your arborvitae.
 

1. Provide Temporary Shade

If your arborvitae is in a spot that bakes in full afternoon sun, consider shade cloth.
 
Drape it loosely over the tree during the hottest part of the day.
 
This reduces leaf scorch and buys the tree time to recover.
 

2. Prune Dead or Dying Branches

Dead branches won’t green back up, and they can attract pests.
 
Use clean, sharp pruners to remove branches that are completely brown and brittle.
 
Pruning in summer is fine as long as you don’t remove more than a third of the tree.
 
Focus on saving the still-green parts by giving them more airflow and light.
 

3. Apply a Balanced Fertilizer (Carefully)

Only fertilize if the tree is actively growing and the browning is mild.
 
A slow-release fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can support recovery.
 
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers in summer because they push tender growth that wilts in heat.
 
For severe browning, skip fertilizer until the tree stabilizes.
 

4. Check and Treat for Pests

If you spot spider mites or bagworms, act fast.
 
Insecticidal soap or neem oil works well for mites.
 
For bagworms, pick off the bags by hand or use a targeted insecticide in early summer.
 
Keeping pests under control is essential to save brown arborvitae trees.
 

So, How to Save Brown Arborvitae Trees in Summer?

You can save brown arborvitae trees in summer by addressing the root cause of the browning.

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

Whether it’s drought, pests, or watering mistakes, the steps are simple once you know what to look for.

Start by checking soil moisture and watering deeply in the morning.

Add mulch, provide shade if needed, and prune dead wood.

If pests are present, treat them right away.

With quick action and consistent care, most brown arborvitae trees will bounce back and green up again.

Your arborvitae can survive summer—you just have to give them the right help at the right time.

Happy gardening.