Garden owners are increasingly complaining that not only individual arborvitae, but sometimes even an entire thuja hedge dies within a short period of time. In fact, this phenomenon has occurred increasingly in recent years - even in old arborvitae hedges that have been growing without any problems for a long time.
What causes Thuja dieback and how can you prevent it?
Thuja dying is manifested by discoloration of the shoot tips, which then die. The causes are often incorrect care, lack of water or climate changes. As a preventative measure, thujas should be watered sufficiently, waterlogging avoided and fertilized properly. Well-prepared soil and appropriate planting spacing can also help.
What causes Thuja dieback?
The old thuja hedge suddenly turns brown in many places. First the shoot tips change color. Within a relatively short time, entire shoots wither and the tree dies.
Discoloration of needles and shoots occurs even more frequently on a newly planted thuja hedge. In this case, the trees of life can usually still be saved if you take action immediately.
Causes of thuja dying?
Incorrect care is often responsible for death. The gardener means too well with watering and fertilizing or the hedge doesn't get enough moisture.
If a noticeable number of thujas die and old hedges are also affected, it cannot be ruled out that climate change is partly to blame.
It is becoming increasingly dry in summer, so the shallow-rooted plant no longer gets enough water. In other words: the hedge simply dries up.
Prevent thuja dying through proper care
- Water thuja sufficiently, even in winter
- Prevent waterlogging
- do not fertilize too much or too little
In dry summers and winters, you also need to water an old thuja hedge regularly, even if the trees can take care of themselves under normal circumstances.
Prevent when planting the thuja hedge
Don't plant the tree of life too close. This is especially true for the particularly popular Thuja Smaragd.
Prepare the soil well by loosening it thoroughly and, if necessary, creating drainage. Waterlogging is very dangerous for the young tree of life.
Water the arborvitae regularly after planting. It takes up to two years for the roots to develop sufficiently and be able to absorb moisture from deeper layers. But don't add too much water to avoid waterlogging.
Tip
A poor location can also contribute to thuja death. The tree of life is just as inconveniently located right next to a road that has been treated with road s alt as it is on a path where four-legged friends often relieve themselves.
