Thuja is a popular evergreen shrub used for hedging, screening, and as a stand-alone plant in the landscape.
Arborvitaes are known for their year-round green foliage, making them popular with gardeners. However, it can be frustrating to find your arborvitaes turning yellow after winter, especially if they were once bright green.
In this article, we'll discuss why arborvitaes may turn yellow after winter and what you can do to help your bush recover.
Why do thujas turn yellow after winter?
Thuja is a frost-hardy shrub that can withstand harsh winter weather. However, several different factors can contribute to thuja turning yellow after winter. The most common causes are as follows.
Winter burn. Winter burn occurs when evergreen leaves lose moisture from dry winter winds and are unable to replenish it due to frozen ground.
This causes the leaves to turn brown or yellow, starting from the tips and moving down to the base of the branch.
Winter burn is most common on the side of the plant that faces the prevailing winter winds.
Pest and disease problems. Arborvitaes can be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, such as spider mites, bur worms, and canker. If your arborvitaes are suffering from pests or diseases, they may turn yellow, especially at the tips of the branches.
Environmental Stress: Thuja may also turn yellow if it has been subjected to environmental stress, such as drought, flooding, or extreme temperatures.
What can you do to help your yellowing arborvitae?
If you notice that your arborvitaes have turned yellow after the winter, there are several steps you can take to help them recover.
Water your arborvitaes. If your arborvitaes have experienced drought or environmental stress, they may benefit from additional watering. Water your shrub generously once a week, making sure the soil is moist to a depth of at least 6 inches.
Trim dead branches. Trim off any dead or brown branches. Make cuts just above a healthy green branch, being careful not to leave stumps that could attract pests or diseases.
Fertilize your arborvitaes. If they lack nutrients, feeding them can help. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to give your bush a boost.
Treat pests and diseases. If your tree has been attacked by pests or diseases, you will need to eliminate the problem before your shrub can recover. Consult with a horticultural specialist or nursery professional to determine the best course of action to address your specific problem.
