Can You Plant Arborvitae Trees in the Summer?

If you're planning on sprucing up your yard this summer, you might be wondering if it's a good time to plant arborvitae trees. The answer is yes, you can plant arborvitae trees in the summer, but there are a few things you should keep in mind before you start digging.

Choosing the Right Time of Summer to Plant Arborvitae Trees

If you want your arborvitae trees to thrive, it's important to choose the right time of summer to plant them. While it's possible to plant arborvitae trees in the heat of summer, it's best to wait until temperatures cool off a bit. Ideally, you should plant your arborvitae trees in late summer or early fall, once temperatures have started to drop.

If you do decide to plant your arborvitae trees in the middle of summer, be sure to plant them on a cloudy day or in the early morning or late afternoon, when temperatures are cooler. This will help prevent the trees from becoming stressed due to heat and water loss.

Preparing the Soil for Arborvitae Trees

Before you plant your arborvitae trees, it's important to prepare the soil properly. This means loosening the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches and breaking up any clumps or large rocks. You should also add organic matter to the soil, such as compost or peat moss, to improve drainage and nutrient levels.

Arborvitae trees require well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. If your soil is too acidic, you can add lime to raise the pH. If it's too alkaline, you can add sulfur to lower the pH. Be sure to test your soil before planting to determine its pH level.

Planting Arborvitae Trees

When it's time to plant your arborvitae trees, be sure to dig a hole that's twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Carefully remove the tree from its container or burlap and loosen any tangled or circling roots. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with the soil mixture, being sure to tamp down the soil as you go to remove any air pockets.

Water the tree thoroughly after planting and continue to water it regularly for the first year. Arborvitae trees require deep, infrequent watering, so be sure to water deeply once every week or two rather than giving the tree frequent shallow waterings.

Conclusion

In summary, you can plant arborvitae trees in the summer, but it's best to wait until late summer or early fall when temperatures start to drop. Be sure to prepare the soil and plant the trees properly to ensure they thrive. With the right care, your arborvitae trees will provide years of beauty and privacy to your yard.