What Do Thuja Trees Like?
Thuja, also called arborvitae, provide year-round color suitable for use in home landscaping. These conifers have a conical form and produce full branches along the entire length of their trunk. Mature thuja grow 20 feet or taller, depending on the variety, but they tolerate pruning and training to a smaller bush form, if preferred. Does this Spark an idea?
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Growing Location
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Thuja trees and hedges prefer locations that receive full sun to partial shade. A site that receives at least six hours of sunlight provides enough light for healthy growth. The trees tolerate of a wide range of soil types, including clay, sand and loam as long as the soil drains well. Locations prone to standing water cause root rot and fungal infestations that eventually leads to plant decline and death.
Moisture Needs
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Soil that remains evenly moist leads to the healthiest growth and foliage on thuja trees. The trees tolerate some drought but prolonged drought weakens the plant. Newly planted trees require regular watering during the first year following planting to establish healthy roots. Once established, the trees only need irrigation during extended dry periods. Winter watering is only necessary during dry periods when the ground isn't frozen. Mulching over the planting site helps retain moisture in the soil between waterings.
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Pruning
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Improper pruning weakens thuja trees. Branches tolerate cutting back and shaping unless you remove all the foliage. Bare branches don't recover and eventually die off. Young plants tolerate training to a hedge or bush form. Pruning to maintain the size and shape of plants in a tree form succeeds if the remaining branches retain some foliage. Those trained to a single trunk withstand snow loads, but multi-trunked trees work better as a hedge.
Winter Care
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Wind desiccation in winter dehydrates the evergreen foliage on the thuja tree. Heavy snow loads cause the branches to split or break. Wrapping the tree in burlap in late fall prevents snow and wind damage. In areas where wind isn't a concern, preventing snow damage provides the necessary protection. Use coated thick ropes for tying or burlap application, as thin ropes and wires cut into branches and damage the tree.
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References
- Photo Credit yellow hybrid thuja 6697 image by jazzid from Fotolia.com
