The tree of life is not one of the most popular plants for hedges for nothing. Thuja is evergreen, quickly forms a dense privacy screen and is quite robust. If the thuja hedge turns brown, this is always an alarm signal for the gardener.
Why does the thuja turn brown and how can I get it green again?
A thuja turns brown because it is either too dry or too wet, is overfertilized, is exposed to road s alt in winter, was cut in the sun or suffers from diseases or pests. In order to make the thuja green again, care should be optimized and any pests or diseases combated.
Why does thuja turn brown?
There are a number of causes that lead to browning of the thuja needles. Most discoloration is caused by incorrect care. But diseases and pest infestations can also cause the tree of life to turn brown. Sometimes tanning is due to external circumstances.
- Thuja is too dry / too wet
- Overfertilization
- Road s alt in winter
- Hedge cut in the sun
- Diseases
- Pests
If the tree of life gets brown tips after cutting, you probably cut it when the weather was too good. Choose a cloudy day for pruning, but on which it should not rain.
If you don't know exactly why the thuja turns brown, carefully examine the needles, shoots and trunk. Only if you know the right causes can you find a remedy.
How to make the thuja hedge green again
If only a few Thuja shoots are affected, there is hope that the hedge will become green again. You simply cut off all affected shoots. However, you must not cut behind the green area or even into the old wood. There the tree of life no longer sprouts and remains bare.
If half the tree is affected, the Thuja can often no longer be saved. Then you should dig them up straight away and replace them with new trees of life.
If there is a fungal infestation, you must replace the soil before replanting because the fungal spores hide in it. This is especially true if the sick tree of life has suffered from root rot.
Care for thuja properly
In most cases, proper care ensures that the Thuja hedge stays nice and green and he althy:
- water regularly even in winter!
- Prevent waterlogging
- do not over-fertilize
Thuja likes it neither too dry nor too wet. In the first few years you have to water an arborvitae hedge regularly, later whenever it is very dry outside.
Fertilize with organic fertilizers such as compost (€14.00 on Amazon), horn shavings or manure. Use mineral fertilizers, strictly follow the instructions. When fertilizing arborvitae, less is often more!
Fighting diseases and pests
If the brown needles or shoots were caused by a disease or pest infestation, cut off all affected parts. Dispose of the cuttings in household waste and not in the compost.
Provide the thuja hedge with soil activator after a disease attack. As a result, the thujas strengthen themselves and survive diseases better.
Always use clean tools when cutting to avoid spreading diseases or pests. Clean the scissors carefully after use.
Tip
In autumn, many Thujen become brown and dry inside. Many needles then simply fall off. This is a natural process and no cause for concern.