Thuja Green Giant is a popular evergreen choice for homeowners seeking privacy and an attractive landscape. This hybrid arborvitae is known for its rapid growth and dense foliage, ideal for privacy screens or windbreaks. While generally hardy, understanding its specific needs during winter helps ensure its health and continued vigor.
Thuja Green Giant Winter Profile
During colder months, the Thuja Green Giant maintains its evergreen nature. Its foliage may display a slight bronzing or purpling in very cold temperatures, a normal protective response to winter conditions. This color change is more pronounced in colder climates and typically reverts to its vibrant green in spring.
The Thuja Green Giant is highly resilient and adapted to cold conditions. It can withstand temperatures as low as -20°F and is resistant to wind, ice, and snow damage. Its thick foliage helps form a barrier against harsh winds. This natural hardiness means the tree can survive challenging winter environments, even tolerating some salt spray.
Key Winter Care Practices
Preparing your Thuja Green Giant for winter involves several practices to support its natural resilience. Adequate watering before the ground freezes ensures the tree enters dormancy with sufficient moisture reserves, preventing dehydration from dry winter air. This deep hydration also encourages the root system to grow deeper, where the soil is more insulated.
Applying a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or shredded bark, around the base helps insulate the roots from extreme temperature fluctuations and retains soil moisture. It also helps suppress weeds. Ensure the mulch is kept a few inches away from the trunk to prevent moisture buildup and potential rot.
To prevent branch breakage from heavy snow or ice, gently brush off accumulations using an upward motion with a broom. For young trees, loosely tying branches with twine or wrapping them in burlap provides additional support against heavy loads and harsh winds. Allow ice to melt naturally, as attempting to remove it can lead to more breakage. Avoid using de-icing salts near the roots, as runoff can harm the tree.
Deer browsing is a concern during winter when other food sources are scarce. While Thuja Green Giants are considered more deer-resistant than some other evergreens, they are not entirely deer-proof. Young trees may be more susceptible. Installing fencing or applying commercial deer repellents regularly can help deter them.
Common Winter Challenges
Despite their hardiness, Thuja Green Giants face challenges during winter. Winter burn appears as brown needles, on sides exposed to harsh winter winds and sun. This occurs when the tree loses moisture from its foliage faster than its roots can absorb it from frozen ground. Mitigation includes adequate fall watering, anti-desiccant sprays in late fall, and windbreaks for exposed plants.
Browning and needle drop are often part of the tree’s natural cycle. Thuja Green Giants may shed older, inner needles. This seasonal needle drop is normal and differs from widespread browning caused by stress or disease. If the browning affects new growth or is accompanied by crispy, dry foliage across the entire tree, it may indicate issues such as dehydration, root problems, or pest infestations.
Structural damage from heavy snow and ice can occur. If branches are bent or broken, prune them back to the main branch or trunk in late winter or early spring after the danger of severe weather has passed. For young trees, temporarily supporting branches with ties can help prevent permanent deformation. Severe damage might require professional assessment to determine the best course of action for recovery.