How Often to Water Newly Planted Arborvitae

Arborvitae is a popular evergreen shrub that works great as a screen, hedge, or accent in any landscape. If you have just planted arborvitae in your garden, it is essential to ensure they receive adequate water, especially during the first growing season. Here's everything you need to know about watering newly planted arborvitae.

The First 30 Days

During the first 30 days after planting, your arborvitae shrubs require a lot of water to establish their roots. The soil around their root systems should always be moist, but not saturated. Water the shrubs slowly, making sure the water soaks into the soil without running off. You can use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system for best results. Water your arborvitae every day for the first two weeks, and then reduce the frequency to every two to three days for the remainder of the first month.

The Next 60 Days

After the first month, the roots of your arborvitae will have started to establish themselves in the soil. You can begin to decrease the watering frequency to once or twice a week, depending on the weather. Continue to water deeply, allowing the soil to soak up the moisture. Reduce watering frequency to once a week if you receive more than an inch of rainfall during any given week.

Maintaining Healthy Arborvitae

Once your arborvitae shrubs have been fully established, they will require less water than during their first year. However, they still need regular watering to keep their foliage healthy and lush. During droughts or periods of intense heat, water your arborvitae more frequently to prevent them from drying out. Check the soil around your trees regularly and make sure it is moist to a depth of 6 inches. If the soil feels dry, give your plants a deep watering.

Overall, newly planted arborvitae requires frequent watering to ensure healthy growth and development. By following the guidelines outlined above, you can help to establish strong, healthy roots that will lead to healthy, thriving arborvitae for years to come. Remember to adjust your watering schedule according to the weather conditions and soil moisture levels, and your arborvitae will thank you with lush foliage and vibrant growth.