ᐅ Arborvitae are gradually dying off.

Created on: 27 Jun 2021 20:39
N
Nadini89
We planted a thuja hedge last September. Until now, it looked really healthy. However, more and more plants are turning brown over time. The brown plants are very easy to pull out. It seems like the roots haven’t taken hold at all. What could be the reason for this? Especially since the plants were previously quite green and had grown well.
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nordanney
27 Jun 2021 21:35
Be glad. Thuja smells bad and reminds of a cemetery. The soil underneath also suffers.

Reasons for browning:
Too wet
Too dry
Overfertilized
De-icing salt on the hedge during winter
Pests
N
Nadini89
27 Jun 2021 21:38
Close-up of a dried brown twig with sharp shoots; blurred green background.

My husband just found these small black insects on a plant. Could this be related...?
Actually, my husband waters the plants every day, and even the soil of the dead plants was still moist...
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Nadini89
27 Jun 2021 21:42
nordanney schrieb:

Be glad. Thuja smells bad and reminds you of a cemetery. The soil beneath also suffers.

Reasons for browning:
Too wet
Too dry
Over-fertilized
Road salt on the hedge in winter
Pests

The cemetery look is a matter of taste. So far, we haven’t noticed any bad smell – we would like to keep our hedge.
H
hampshire
27 Jun 2021 21:47
There is aphid infestation on arborvitae, but it usually does not cause dieback. If the soil is too acidic, apply lime. In case of waterlogging, loosen the soil and install drainage. The pine processionary moth would also be problematic.
rick201827 Jun 2021 22:09
Fortunately, Thuja hedges have been banned here.
It was a long, cold, and dry winter.
Our new hedges also suffered greatly due to the dryness during winter.
Fertilizer, water, and warmth are helping now. What is damaged is simply damaged.
tomtom7928 Jun 2021 05:00
No matter what criticism Thuja hedges receive, it’s the same with cherry laurel. It’s better to have a green hedge than a fence.