Even if the tree of life is very easy to care for, it doesn't like substrate that is too dry or moist. How often do you have to water Thuja as a hedge or individual tree and what should you pay attention to when watering?
How should you water a Thuja hedge or single tree?
Answer: It is best to water the thuja hedge or single tree in the morning to avoid waterlogging and prevent dryness. Water regularly for the first two years, then only in very dry conditions. Use a layer of mulch to retain moisture and fertilize the soil.
Water thuja correctly – with sensitivity
The earth must never dry out completely. But waterlogging is just as damaging. That's why you have to water the Thuja regularly, especially at the beginning, without overdoing it.
Expect that you will have to water an arborvitae outdoors - whether planted as a hedge or a single tree - continuously in the first two years. Later you only need to water when it is very dry.
When caring for in a pot, watering is necessary more often as the soil in the pot dries out more quickly.
When is the best time to water thuja?
- Watering in the morning
- never in the midday sun
- If possible, avoid wetting the leaves
- do not water in the evening
Watering in the morning has proven to be effective as the leaves can then dry off in the draft until the evening. If the moisture stays on the needles for too long, there is a risk of fungal infestation.
If you water in the midday sun, the needles will burn and the thuja will turn brown. This isn't dangerous, but it makes the hedge unsightly.
Avoid waterlogging
Waterlogging is just as dangerous as drought for the thuja. Before planting, be sure to create drainage so that rainwater can seep into the ground.
When caring for Thuja in the pot, make sure there is a sufficiently large drainage hole. Do not place the pot outdoors on a saucer where rainwater could collect.
Tip
A mulch layer made of bark mulch (€13.00 on Amazon), grass clippings, leaves or chopped garden residue prevents the soil from drying out too much and fertilizes the soil at the same time. The ceiling should be renewed annually.
