Arborvitae (Thuja) trees are popular evergreen choices for creating dense, year-round privacy screens and hedges. A common concern when planting these conifers is the time required before the plant fully integrates into its new environment and begins to thrive. Understanding this establishment period ensures the investment survives the initial transplanting and flourishes into a long-lasting landscape feature.
Defining the Establishment Period
Establishment is the critical phase where a newly transplanted arborvitae shifts from dependence on its original root ball to drawing resources from the surrounding native soil. This process focuses on root regeneration and expansion. The plant must grow new, fine feeder roots out of the original root mass and into the planting area to anchor itself securely.
An arborvitae is considered established when its root system is sufficiently developed to independently source water and nutrients. Once this network is formed, the plant is self-sufficient and no longer requires the intensive care of its first season. Only after achieving self-sufficiency will the plant redirect energy toward noticeable above-ground growth.
The Typical Timeline for Arborvitae Establishment
The full establishment period typically spans one to three growing seasons. The first year is the most significant, as the plant prioritizes survival and root regeneration over visible height or width gain. This initial lack of noticeable top growth is normal, often described by the saying, “the first year they sleep, the second year they creep, and the third year they leap.”
During the first season, the plant is essentially static above ground while expending energy on root development. By the second year, a more robust root system allows for moderate growth. In the third year, the strong root network fully supports rapid top growth, allowing the arborvitae to reach its full potential growth rate.
Factors That Influence Establishment Speed
Several environmental and biological variables can shorten or lengthen the time required for establishment. The initial size of the plant is a factor, as smaller container-grown arborvitae generally establish faster than larger, balled-and-burlapped specimens. The larger root mass of big plants takes longer to regenerate new feeder roots into the surrounding soil.
Soil quality also plays a substantial role. Well-draining, loamy soil allows for easier root penetration and faster growth, while heavy clay soil slows the process and increases the risk of root rot. Planting during the ideal seasons of early spring or early fall minimizes transplant shock and provides a full season for root development. Consistent soil moisture, without saturation, is another determinant, as roots must reach out to find water.
Essential Post-Planting Care
The most important action to speed up establishment is maintaining a proper watering regime. Newly planted trees require deep, consistent watering two to three times per week, especially during the first 60 days. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not soggy. Check the moisture by inserting a finger two inches deep; if the soil is dry at that depth, it is time to water.
Applying a two to three-inch layer of organic mulch around the base helps regulate soil temperature and conserve moisture. Keep the mulch ring a few inches away from the trunk to prevent moisture buildup and potential rot. Avoid heavy fertilization in the first year, as this encourages the plant to allocate energy to top growth rather than the foundational root development required for establishment.