Arborvitae belongs to the genus Thuja (Latin word meaning: Tree of life). It is an evergreen ornamental and timber conifer of the Cypress family. This plant is native to North America and Eastern Asia. A closely related genus is false arborvitae. This plant usually is famous for its green and luscious color. That’s why it is used for ornamental purposes. So whenever these plants are turning yellow is a serious issue of concern.
It is a new and fresh growing plant that has a green and yellow tint. In shedding months like autumn it is common for arborvitae leaves to turn yellow but usually they revive again in the growing season. But in the growing season yellowing of leaves is an issue of concern.
But growing arborvitae is turning yellow or previously growing green plants should be paid attention to. This abnormal growth is a sign of concern.
Arborvitae turning yellow
If your arborvitae is turning yellow out of session or in growing season then it might be a serious issue. It might be possible there may be an issue with watering habits. Overwatering is the main issue that causes the yellowing of leaves. Overwatered plants often suffer from the issue of yellow spots at the tips and edges of plants. Moreover, if pines are turning yellow then there might be an issue with the improper planting of pines.
It is not sure that watering is the main issue, there might be another reason such as lack of nutrients, too long exposure to sunlight, and underwatering issue.
Why is my arborvitae turning yellow?
Arborvitae is famous for its green color and luscious appearance. It is used for ornamental purposes. Sometimes yellowing of leaves may not be due to overwatering there may be some deeper issue if shading is an anomaly out of season.
Without any waste of time let’s dive into the reasons why emerald arborvitae leaves are turning yellow?
Improper planting
Arborvitae plants usually like to live in the hydrated environment. Proper watering is crucial in the early days when the plants are in growing session. Arborvitae plants need a lot of water for their growth. Too little or too much water can be a cause of the yellowing of leaves.
If they are overwatered then it can lead to overlogging. Standing water in saturated soil can lead to waterlogging. It an issue that can cause the root rot. Root rot is an issue that stops the supply of oxygen to the roots. Roots not receiving enough oxygen can lead to the yellowing of leaves.
On the other hand, underwater arborvitae is also a reason for the yellowing of leaves. Lack of water can lead to cause the plants to under stress. On hot summer days, lack of water with the too long or scorching heat of the sun can cause the yellowing of plants. So take great care of watering during the summer season along with sun exposure.
In case of underwatering your plant needs to watered regularly in the day time and soak the plant’s water from top to bottom. In serious conditions, it needs to water for several minutes.
Attack of pests
The emerald arborvitae is greatly susceptible to pests and insects. It is lightly resistant to pests but often faces the attacking of pests. Arborvitae attacked by pests usually shown as yellowing of leaves. pest such as cypress cinema attack arborvitae, coast Broadwood, juniper, and cypress. Its larvae attack the inside of foliage and cause to turn it yellow in early winter and turn brown in late winter before dies.
Phytophthora root rot causes leaves and roots to turn yellow. Eventually, this disease will kill the plant. The roots will be discolored below the bark and eventually will be decomposed and crumble if you dig up the plant. Root rot is most likely when arborvitae is planted in poorly draining soil.
Lack of proper nutrients
Like many other plants, arborvitae plants also need a proper dose of nutrients like mulch, compost, and fertilizer. Yellow is the main issue occurring after the lack of nutrients. Fertilizers such as iron copper, potassium, zinc, and iron.
Nutrient deficiency can cause the yellowing of leaves and result in chlorosis, which is the ability to produce chlorophyll. Lack of fertilizer such as nitrogen can be the main cause of yellowing of leaves that first appear on the older, inner and then progress to the younger and fresh leaves. A deficiency in iron is among the most common reasons for chlorosis and appears between the leaf veins so that the leaf is yellow while the veins are still green.
In order to check the nutrient level of the soil is to test the soil. Check the soil pH level that it is not suitable for arborvitae or not. The perfect pH of soil for arborvitae is 6.0 to 8.0. In order to test the pH of the soil, purchase a commercially available soil test kit.
Other diseases
There might be some diseases that can cause the yellowing of arborvitae leaves. Plants blights such as Pestalotiopsis tip blight or black flagging. other diseases can cause the yellowing of leaves.
Plants blight is a serious disease that can completely damage the plant if not treated immediately. It is best to cut the damaged leaves and treat them appropriately and protect them against diseases.
Animal attack or damage
Arborvitae leaves turning yellow can also be from animal damage. Most animal likes to damage or eat plants,, especially dog damage. This thing can also cause the yellowing of leaves. If animals like a dog are peeing on the arborvitae plants or around it can alter the nitrogen level of the soil. This thing can be prevented by protecting the plants from animal attacks.
Mostly urine changes the pH of the soil and causes the yellowing of leaves and darkening them to brown.
Once the leaves are brown it’s hard to make them green again. Once damaged or yellow leaves cannot be turned again into their luscious and green color. Therefore it’s good to cut these yellow and brown leaves before they cause damage to healthy leaves.
How to save yellowing arborvitae?
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For new plants, it is easy to overwater them
so to avoid the yellowing of leaves it is important to improve the irrigation of plants. Make a schedule to water the plants. Water your plants with a spray bottle one inch every week.
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Underwatered plants show you the signs of yellowing of leaves,
so take care to not underwater them. Sometimes plants need more water for their care, especially in the planting and growth stage. Therefore plants need more water at this time so try to more them more. Otherwise watering after a week or two weeks is enough for plants.
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Arborvitae is susceptible to pests that cause them great damage.
To save your plants from the attack of pests, use pesticides or spray neem oil on the plants.
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A proper supply of sunlight is also essential for their proper growth,
so keep your plants in a shady place where they receive a proper supply of sunlight. Also, avoid too long exposure to sunlight as it can cause the yellowing of leaves.
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Fertilization is also necessary for their growth,
So in order to enhance the growth of your plants, properly spray fertilizer and nutrients over your plants once a year or after every 6 months.
One Last Thing!
For a new beginner, it is quite easy to overwater and overcare your plants. These things can cause problems for your plants. That’s why proper care is necessary. Don’t try to overwater or underwater your plants when you a little about them. Just following these tips, you can save your plants from serious problems and lead them to a healthy life.
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