Thuja Smaragd is a particularly popular variety of the tree of life. It is often planted as a hedge, although it is not quite as suitable for this as other Thuja varieties. Diseases occur primarily due to errors in care and an unfavorable location. Which diseases occur?
What diseases occur in Thuja Smaragd and how can you fight them?
The most common diseases of Thuja Smaragd are root rot, shoot death, fungal infestation and pest infestation. To combat these, ensure correct watering, good soil conditions and, if necessary, the use of fungicides or pesticides.
What diseases occur in Thuja Smaragd?
Basically, Thuja Smaragd is a very robust tree of life. Diseases are relatively rare. Problems are more likely to be caused by incorrect care or an unfavorable location.
The following diseases can occur:
- Root rot
- Instinct death
- Fungal infestation
- Pest Infestation
A big problem is humidity. The soil must never dry out completely, but waterlogging is even more damaging and promotes the occurrence of fungal infestation.
Recognizing symptoms
Not all discoloration of the needles must indicate a disease of the Thuja Smaragd. Some varieties change color in autumn. That's completely natural.
Some discoloration of the needles and shoots can be symptoms of diseases. This is especially true for brown needles.
They are often a sign of fungal infection. There are several types of fungal spores that cause problems for thuja. For the hobby gardener, the different species hardly play a role in combating them.
Detecting pest infestations
You can recognize a pest infestation because there are small feeding passages in the shoots of the Thuja Smaragd. Small piles of feces also stick to the needles.
Fighting Thuja Smaragd diseases
Root rot is due to soil that is too wet. It is not always certain whether the tree of life can still be saved. If the Thuja Smaragd needs to be cleared, replace part of the soil immediately to prevent further fungal infestation.
You can combat milder fungal infestations with a broad-spectrum fungicide. These sprays must be used as directed. The temperatures must not be lower than 6 degrees.
The same applies to a pest infestation. It is only necessary to combat the pests with sprays if thuja are very heavily infested. An otherwise he althy Thuja Smaragd can handle a light infestation on its own.
Tip
Thuja Smaragd is not quite as robust as, for example, Thuja Brabant. This arborvitae variety does not tolerate planting distances that are too close together. The Brabant variety is therefore more suitable for an opaque hedge.