Green Giant Arborvitae are popular, fast-growing evergreen trees often chosen for creating privacy screens and natural barriers. Proper planting time is important for their successful establishment and long-term health.
Optimal Planting Seasons
The most favorable times to plant Green Giant Arborvitae are during the spring and fall seasons. These periods offer conditions that are conducive to root development and minimize transplant shock. Moderate temperatures reduce stress, allowing them to focus energy on establishing a robust root system.
Early spring, after the last threat of frost but before intense summer heat, provides an ideal window. Planting in spring allows trees a full growing season to develop roots before winter. Late summer to early fall is also recommended, ensuring the ground is still warm enough for root growth before winter’s deep freeze. Consistent rainfall during spring and fall aids establishment by maintaining soil moisture.
Key Factors for Planting Success
Successful establishment of Green Giant Arborvitae depends on specific planting practices. Site selection is an important first step, favoring locations with full sun to partial shade (at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily). The soil should drain well, as these trees do not tolerate soggy conditions, though they adapt to various soil types, including clay and sandy soils.
Proper soil preparation may involve amending heavy clay or sandy soils with organic matter to improve drainage and nutrient content. Dig the planting hole two to three times wider than the root ball, but only as deep. The top of the root ball should be level with or slightly above the surrounding ground to prevent deep planting. Carefully handling the root ball and gently teasing apart any circling roots encourages outward growth.
Planting Outside Ideal Seasons
While spring and fall are optimal, planting Green Giant Arborvitae outside these seasons is sometimes necessary, though it requires increased attention and care. Summer planting is possible, but trees will face significant heat stress. During hot summer months, vigilant watering is crucial to prevent dehydration, often multiple times a week. Applying mulch around the base can help conserve soil moisture and regulate soil temperature, mitigating heat’s impact.
Winter planting presents different challenges, primarily frozen ground and harsh weather. Plant before the ground freezes solid for proper root contact. Maintain adequate moisture, even in winter, as dry winds can cause foliage desiccation. Protect from strong winds, possibly with burlap screens, to prevent winter burn and physical damage. These non-ideal times carry higher risks and demand more intensive aftercare.
Essential Post-Planting Care
Once Green Giant Arborvitae are planted, focused post-planting care is necessary for successful establishment, particularly during their first year. Consistent, deep watering is essential to encourage a strong root system. For the first few weeks, trees may need water every other day, gradually reducing to once or twice a week for the next three to four months and throughout the first summer. Deep watering ensures moisture penetrates beyond the surface, promoting deeper root growth.
Mulching supports the tree’s health by conserving soil moisture, regulating soil temperature, and suppressing weeds. Apply a 3 to 6-inch layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark, around the base, keeping it a few inches from the trunk to prevent moisture buildup and rot. Monitor for pests or diseases, though Green Giant Arborvitae are generally resistant. Delay significant pruning until the tree is well-established, usually after the first year, allowing it to focus on root development and growth.