How to Get Arborvitae to Fill In and Thrive

How to Get Arborvitae to Fill In?

To get arborvitae to fill in, there are several steps you can take.

First, plant arborvitae in a sunny location with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.

Secondly, water the arborvitae regularly, especially during the first season, for 10 minutes each day.

Additionally, apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer annually on plants older than two years to promote growth.

Pruning regularly to remove dead or damaged branches will also help encourage filling in.

Spacing trees three to four feet apart can accelerate growth, but be sure to consider the future size of arborvitae and provide enough space for them to reach full size.

When planting, make sure to create a hole twice the width of the root ball and pack the soil around the root ball after planting to eliminate air pockets.

Mulching around the arborvitae will retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Lastly, watering deeply once a week during the first year and adjusting watering as needed in the subsequent years, and fertilizing in early spring and mid-summer while avoiding fertilizing after mid-August, will all contribute to getting arborvitae to fill in.

Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring, and preventive measures against pests and diseases should also be taken.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your arborvitae fills in and thrives.

Key Points:

  • Plant arborvitae in a sunny location with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day
  • Water the arborvitae regularly, especially during the first season, for 10 minutes each day
  • Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer annually on plants older than two years to promote growth
  • Prune regularly to remove dead or damaged branches to encourage filling in
  • Space trees three to four feet apart for accelerated growth, considering the future size of arborvitae
  • Mulch around the arborvitae to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature


Did You Know?

1. The term “arborvitae” actually derives from Latin, meaning “tree of life.” This translates to its reputation as a long-lived and resilient species.

2. Arborvitae has a unique defense mechanism against herbivores and insects. When the leaves are crushed or damaged, they release a pleasant scent similar to that of crushed apples, which helps repel potential threats.

3. In traditional medicine, arborvitae was utilized by certain Native American tribes to treat various ailments such as colds, fever, and even menstrual disorders.

4. The oldest known arborvitae in North America is estimated to be over 1,650 years old! It can be found in Ontario, Canada, revealing the remarkable longevity of this species.

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5. Arborvitae has been considered a symbol of peace and protection for centuries. Native American cultures often planted arborvitae around their homes as a sign of tranquility and to fortify the dwelling from negative energies.

Choosing The Right Location And Sunlight Conditions

Arborvitae, a popular evergreen shrub, can add beauty and privacy to any garden. To ensure optimal growth and filling in of the shrub, it is crucial to select the right location that offers at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Arborvitae thrives in full sunlight, so choosing a sunny spot will provide the necessary conditions for the plant to flourish.

When selecting a location, consider the future size of the arborvitae. These shrubs can grow quite large, so providing enough space for them to reach their full size is essential. This ensures that they have enough room to fill in and maintain a healthy shape. Spacing the trees three to four feet apart will promote faster growth and prevent overcrowding, allowing the plants to develop fully.

Watering Tips For The First Season

Proper watering is crucial, especially during the initial season of growth. Arborvitae requires regular watering to establish a strong root system and promote healthy growth.

During the first season, water the shrub for 10 minutes each day to ensure the roots receive adequate moisture.

Deep watering is essential to encourage the roots to grow deep into the soil. This will help make the plant more resilient and better able to withstand drought conditions.

After the first season, reduce watering to once a week, ensuring that the shrub receives enough water to penetrate the soil deeply.

As the plant matures, you can further reduce watering to once every two weeks or as needed.

Annual Fertilizing For Mature Plants

To encourage lush and vibrant growth in mature arborvitae, it is important to annually fertilize the plant. Once the arborvitae reaches two years of age, it is recommended to apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in early spring. This will provide the necessary nutrients for the shrub to fill in and thrive.

When applying the fertilizer, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the appropriate amount and method of application. Additionally, it is important to avoid fertilizing after mid-August to prevent encouraging new growth that may not have sufficient time to harden before winter sets in.

Regularly applying fertilizer will ensure that the arborvitae receives the necessary nutrition to maintain its vigor and density.

  • Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer annually
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application
  • Avoid fertilizing after mid-August to prevent new growth that may be damaged by winter
  • Regular application of fertilizer improves vigor and density of the arborvitae.
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Regular Pruning To Maintain Health

Regular pruning is vital for both the health and appearance of arborvitae. Prune the shrub in late winter or early spring when the plant is dormant. Avoid pruning in the fall or winter, as this can lead to damage or disease.

When pruning, focus on removing dead or damaged branches. This not only improves the overall appearance of the shrub but also stimulates new growth. Additionally, trimming branches that are too long or out of shape using hedge shears is necessary to maintain the desired shape and size. Keep the top narrower than the base to allow sunlight to reach the lower branches, promoting overall growth and preventing thinning.

Proper Spacing For Faster Growth

To ensure fast and healthy growth of arborvitae, proper spacing is crucial. By providing sufficient space between each plant, you allow for adequate sunlight penetration and airflow, thus promoting vigorous growth and filling in of the shrubs.

Spacing the arborvitae three to four feet apart allows each plant to receive ample sunlight and prevents overcrowding, which can hinder growth. It also ensures that the shrubs have enough space to reach their full size, allowing them to fill in evenly over time. Proper spacing sets the foundation for a dense and thriving arborvitae hedge or screen.

  • Sufficient spacing promotes healthy growth
  • Adequate sunlight and airflow are essential for arborvitae
  • Three to four feet apart is the recommended spacing
  • Prevent overcrowding to avoid hindered growth
  • Allow shrubs to reach full size for optimal density
  • A dense and thriving arborvitae hedge or screen is the result.

Planting Techniques For Optimal Growth

When planting arborvitae, it’s important to follow proper techniques to ensure optimal growth and fill in. Begin by digging a hole twice as wide as the root ball. This provides ample space for the roots to spread out and establish themselves. Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil, preventing any water pooling or air pockets from forming.

After placing the shrub in the hole, pack the soil firmly around the root ball to eliminate any air pockets. This provides stability for the plant and ensures that the roots have good contact with the soil, facilitating nutrient absorption and moisture intake. Adding a layer of mulch around the arborvitae will help retain moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature, further aiding in healthy growth.

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Getting arborvitae to fill in and thrive requires attention to proper sunlight conditions, watering techniques, fertilizing, pruning, spacing, and planting methods. By selecting a sunny location, regularly watering during the first season, fertilizing annually, pruning to maintain health, spacing appropriately, and planting correctly, you can ensure the arborvitae fills in beautifully and becomes a stunning addition to your garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you increase arborvitae growth?

In addition to fertilization, a key factor in promoting arborvitae growth is proper pruning. Regularly trimming the branches, especially during the early stages of growth, will help improve air circulation and stimulate new growth. Furthermore, ensuring that the arborvitae is planted in a location with adequate sunlight and well-drained soil can significantly contribute to its overall growth and vitality.

How do you rejuvenate arborvitae?

To rejuvenate arborvitae, the key is to time the pruning properly. Mid-spring is the recommended season for this task. By waiting until new growth appears, you ensure that the arborvitae is ready to respond positively to the pruning. This timing encourages growth and allows for deep cuts to be made, making it easier to restore the arborvitae’s shape, especially if it has become unruly and overgrown. Pruning in mid-spring not only promotes rejuvenation but also helps maintain the health and visual appeal of the arborvitae.

Why is my arborvitae thinning?

Arborvitaes may experience thinning foliage due to shadier conditions, especially within the canopy of compact cultivars. They are not able to produce new growth on older bare stems, making them intolerant to renovation or hard pruning. If the brown areas are cut into, they are likely to remain that way, further contributing to the thinning appearance of the arborvitae. Therefore, it is important to ensure optimal growing conditions for these trees and avoid cutting into the brown areas.

How fast do arborvitae grow per year?

Arborvitae trees display impressive growth rates throughout their lifespan. In the initial stages, they can grow at an impressive rate of 1-2 feet per year until they become established. Afterward, their growth rate slows down, and they typically grow between 6 to 9 inches per year. This consistent growth, accompanied by their vibrant green foliage that remains colorful year-round, adds to the allure of Emerald Green Arborvitae trees. Its foliage, resembling a fan-like spray, creates a visually appealing and dense green backdrop.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4

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