How Much Water for a Newly Planted Thuja

Thuja, commonly known as arborvitae, is a genus of evergreen trees and shrubs that are popular for their fast growth and year-round foliage. Planting thuja is an excellent way to create a privacy screen, a hedge, or a windbreak in your garden. However, one of the most crucial factors for the growth and survival of your newly planted thuja is water. In this article, we will discuss how much water your newly planted thuja needs and how often should you water it.

The Importance of Watering Newly Planted Thuja

Watering is essential for the establishment of a newly planted thuja. The roots of the thuja need to absorb water to prevent the tree or shrub from drying out and dying. It is crucial to ensure that your thuja is getting enough water, especially during the first year of growth. During this period, the roots of the thuja are becoming established, and the tree is developing its foliage and branches.

How Much Water Does a Newly Planted Thuja Need?

The amount of water your newly planted thuja needs depends on various factors, such as soil type, weather conditions, and the size of the tree or shrub. However, as a rule of thumb, your newly planted thuja needs about 1 inch of water per week. This amount of water can ensure that the roots of the thuja are getting enough water and growing healthy.

You can measure the amount of water by placing a rain gauge or any container with a flat bottom under the sprinkler, and then measuring the depth of the water collected after 1 hour of watering. If you use a hose, water the newly planted thuja until the soil around the roots is moist, but not waterlogged. Watering your thuja deeply and infrequently is much better than watering it frequently and shallowly.

How Often Should You Water Newly Planted Thuja?

The frequency of watering your newly planted thuja depends on the weather conditions and soil type. During hot and sunny weather, your thuja may need more water than during cooler and cloudy weather. In general, you should water your newly planted thuja once a week if there is no rainfall, and the temperature is below 80℉.

If you live in a hot and dry climate, you may need to water your newly planted thuja twice or thrice a week, especially during the first few weeks after planting. However, overwatering is harmful to the roots of your thuja, so make sure that the soil around the roots is moist but not waterlogged.

Conclusion

In conclusion, watering is vital for the growth and survival of your newly planted thuja. Your thuja needs about 1 inch of water per week, and you should water it deeply and infrequently. It is essential to monitor the weather conditions and soil type to adjust the frequency and quantity of water accordingly. With proper watering and care, your newly planted thuja can thrive and add beauty to your garden for years to come.