Arborvitae Care Calendar: What to Do Each Season

Green Giants and other arborvitae are famously low-maintenance. Once established, they thrive with very little intervention - which is part of their appeal. But like any living thing, they occasionally benefit from some targeted TLC. And if you’re the type who can’t resist doting on your beautiful trees, this care calendar gives you a simple seasonal rhythm to follow.

Whether you’re growing a single specimen or an entire privacy hedge, these small seasonal touchpoints will help keep your arborvitae lush, healthy, and full.

This care guide applies broadly to most arborvitae varieties, but it’s especially useful for those in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast, including Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

Spring is the ideal time to check in on your arborvitae as they wake from dormancy and start putting on new growth.

What to do:

1. Inspect for winter damage. Check for broken limbs, brown patches, or salt damage.
2. Prune lightly. Trim away dead tips or winterkill once the risk of hard frost has passed. Avoid cutting into old wood.
3. Fertilize early. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support strong green growth.
4. Reapply mulch. Refresh mulch in a 2 to 3 inch layer to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Keep it away from the trunk.
5. Water if needed. If spring is unusually dry, begin deep watering to help trees break dormancy.

Arborvitae typically handle summer heat well, but consistent watering is important during long dry spells. Summer is also when pests are most active.

What to do:

• Water deeply during dry spells. Once or twice a week is usually enough. Focus on slow, deep soaking at the root zone.
• Check mulch coverage. Mulch helps retain moisture but avoid piling it too high.
• Watch for pests. Bagworms, spider mites, and browning tips may appear during hot, dry conditions. Early treatment is best.
• Avoid fertilizing. Adding nutrients during peak heat can stress the plant.

In fall, the goal is to gently wind things down and prepare the trees for winter. Think of it as tucking your arborvitae in for a long rest.

What to do:

• Do a light shaping prune if needed. Early fall is your last window to make small adjustments.
• Stop fertilizing. Fertilizing too late can stimulate new growth that will not harden off before winter.
• Deep water before the ground freezes. Hydrated roots help prevent winter burn.
• Protect young or exposed trees. If you are in a windy or open location, consider burlap wraps for the winter.

In areas with clay soil or poor drainage, fall is also a good time to check that water is not pooling near the root zone.

Arborvitae are built for cold weather. That said, a few passive measures can help them look their best once the snow melts.

What to do:

• Gently brush off heavy snow. Use a broom or gloved hand to avoid breaking limbs.
• Avoid using road salt nearby. Salt can dry out and burn arborvitae foliage.
• Watch for windburn or desiccation. Burlap wraps can protect against harsh wind exposure, especially for young trees.
• Leave them alone otherwise. No pruning, fertilizing, or watering is needed once the ground is frozen.

If your trees experience some winter bronzing, don't worry. Most recover well with warm spring weather.

• Pruning into old wood. Arborvitae will not regrow from bare, woody stems.
• Overwatering in clay or poorly draining soil. Root rot is a risk if the soil stays soggy.
• Letting mulch touch the trunk. This can lead to rot and pest issues.
• Fertilizing too late in the season. This can push new growth at the wrong time.

Green Giants don’t ask for much, but a little seasonal consistency can make a noticeable difference in their vigor and density. If you’re someone who enjoys tending to your trees, this calendar gives you a practical and satisfying way to support their long-term health.

At Rolling Fields Tree Farm, we specialize in arborvitae varieties like Green Giant that offer beauty, privacy, and low-maintenance performance across a wide range of landscapes.

Need help choosing the right product or troubleshooting an issue? We’re here to help. Contact us today or visit Rolling Fields Tree Farm to get expert advice and top-quality trees.