Emerald Green Arborvitae is a popular evergreen, frequently chosen for privacy screens, hedges, or as accent plants. Providing the correct amount of sun is paramount for their sustained health, vigorous growth, and to preserve their characteristic vibrant coloration.
Ideal Sun Requirements
Emerald Green Arborvitae flourishes in locations that receive full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While these trees prefer full sun, they can also tolerate partial shade (four to six hours of direct sunlight). Planting them in partial shade is especially beneficial in regions with intense summer heat, where some afternoon shade can prevent stress.
Impact of Improper Sun Exposure
Both excessive and insufficient sun exposure can negatively affect Emerald Green Arborvitae. Too much intense, direct sunlight, especially in hot climates, can cause symptoms such as foliage browning, scorching, and overall plant stress. This browning often appears on the tips of branches and can progress inward, indicating the plant is struggling to cope with the light intensity and associated heat. Additionally, drought stress exacerbated by strong sun can lead to browning foliage.
Conversely, planting Emerald Green Arborvitae in too much shade results in undesirable growth. Without adequate light, the trees may exhibit sparse, leggy growth. The foliage can also develop a duller green hue. Furthermore, reduced vigor from insufficient light can increase the plant’s susceptibility to various pests like spider mites and bagworms, as well as diseases.
Achieving Optimal Sun Exposure
Ensuring Emerald Green Arborvitae receives the appropriate sun exposure begins with careful site selection. Before planting, observe the area throughout the day to understand its sun patterns, accounting for shade cast by buildings or mature trees during different seasons. Areas receiving at least six hours of direct sun are generally ideal for promoting robust growth and color.
Consider any microclimates within your landscape, such as proximity to heat-reflecting surfaces like walls or pavement, which can intensify sun exposure and heat, potentially causing stress. For established plants, strategic pruning of competing overhead tree branches can increase light penetration to the arborvitae. In areas with extreme summer heat, providing temporary shade for newly planted or stressed trees can help them adapt and prevent sun-related damage.