How to Grow Thuja
The Thuja "Green Giant" is a type of evergreen tree often used as a sound barrier or natural privacy fence due to its dense foliage. It is the fastest-growing evergreen, and can grow 3 to 5 feet per year. Although pruning is not necessary, they can be easily pruned to fit beautifully into any landscaping design. Thuja trees are naturally resistant to disease and insect damage, and grow well in all but the coldest of climates. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Dig a hole for your sapling that is twice the width and depth of its root system. If you intend to plant more than one tree for a natural fence, separate the holes by 5 to 6 feet to prevent the trees from becoming too crowded as they grow.
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2
Moisten the tree's roots prior to planting. Planting dry roots may result in root breakage or other damage. The roots of the tree should be pliable and not stiff.
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3
Place the sapling into the hole and fill the hole with a mixture of dirt and compost. Compost locks moisture into the soil, and also nourishes the root systems of young trees.
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4
Water the sapling immediately after planting. Continue to water the tree as needed to maintain moist soil. You may need to water more frequently during warmer months.
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5
Lay an area of biodegradable mulch around each tree in a ring. The ring should start 2 inches from the base of the trunk and extend 3 to 4 feet around the tree. This prevents weeds from robbing the sapling of nutrients and locks moisture in to improve the tree's overall health. Mulch should be worked 2 to 3 inches into the soil.
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Give the tree an all-purpose liquid fertilizer three times a year for its first three to four years of life.
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7
Prune and shape the tree as desired, but they will grow uniformly without pruning.
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Tips & Warnings
You may start your Green Giant sapling in a large pot. This may be necessary if your area is experiencing a period of drought.
Do not overwater your saplings. This can deprive the young trees of oxygen.
