If your thuja has started to dry out, don’t panic! There are several natural methods you can use to help your tree recover and thrive. Let’s explore the causes of drying out and how to save your plant.

Common Causes of Drying Out in Thuja

Thuja trees are beloved for their evergreen foliage and cold-resistant nature. However, after transplantation, wintering, pruning, or even just mid-summer, you might notice that your thuja begins to yellow, dry out, or shed its needles. This process may start at the top of the tree or affect the tree more widely. Let’s look at the possible causes and natural solutions.

1. Drying Out of Young Thuja Plants

Young thujas are especially vulnerable and may require extra attention to prevent drying out. They may suffer from insufficient watering or the drying effects of direct sunlight.

How to protect young thujas:

  • When purchasing, prioritize thujas with a closed root system to minimize damage during transport.
  • Inspect the roots carefully—if they’re exposed or damaged, they may not survive.
  • Soak the seedlings in water before planting, especially if they have an open root system.
  • Plant in suitable conditions: Ensure they are placed in light, well-drained soil that receives adequate sunlight.

Rescue tip: If your young thujas look dry, try watering deeply, shading them from harsh sun, and applying immunostimulants (like Epin).

2. Thuja Drying After Planting

If your thuja has started to wither after being planted, it could be due to an incorrect location or improper planting techniques.

Potential problems:

  • Improper soil conditions, like excessively chalky or peaty soil, can stress the plant.
  • Planting the thuja in a cold, wet area or burying the root neck too deep can cause rot and water stagnation.
  • Thick planting may lead to poor airflow and increased risk of stem rot and needle loss.

Solution: If you suspect these issues, replant the tree in a better location with well-drained, loose soil and proper spacing.

3. Thuja Drying in Spring

Springtime drying could be a sign that your thuja didn’t survive the winter or is waking from dormancy too early.

Winter-related issues:

  • Frost damage: Young or newly planted thujas may not survive cold winters without proper protection.
  • Sun damage: When spring sun hits the still-frozen ground, the warmth can cause dehydration in the needles.

How to protect in winter:

  • Tie branches with synthetic thread to prevent damage from snow and ice.
  • Use a light-colored covering material to protect the thuja from frost while still allowing some light for photosynthesis.
  • Mulch around the roots to prevent freezing and water loss.

4. Thuja Drying During Summer Growth

If your thuja is drying out during the growing season, it may be due to incorrect watering or pests.

Watering issues:

  • Inconsistent watering—either overwatering or underwatering—can cause the plant to stress and dry out.
  • Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot and maintain healthy moisture levels.

Pruning:

  • Sanitary pruning after winter is crucial to remove any dead wood and allow new growth.
  • Decorative pruning should be done after the second or third year to maintain the desired shape.

5. Soil and Nutrient Deficiencies

Thuja trees may also suffer from a lack of nutrients, particularly phosphorus, which can affect their overall health and needle color.

Solution:

  • Use fertilizers designed for coniferous plants, which provide the necessary nutrients for growth and vitality.
  • Consider adding wood ash for a natural source of potassium.

6. Pests and Disease

Pests and fungal infections are another common cause of thuja deterioration. Fungi like fusarium, late blight, and root rot can attack the tree, leading to yellowing or browning needles. Pests like aphids, spider mites, and scale insects can also damage the tree.

Treatment for pests and disease:

  • If pests are detected, remove damaged parts and treat the tree with insecticides or fungicides.
  • For fungal issues, spray with 1% Bordeaux mixture, Fitosporin-M, or another broad-spectrum fungicide.

7. Seasonal Changes and Natural Yellowing

It’s important to remember that some yellowing of thuja needles is completely natural, especially in certain varieties during the transition to cooler weather. For example, Thuja occidentalis and Thuja plicata often develop a golden-bronze color in late fall, which will return to green in spring.

What to Do When Thuja Starts to Dry Out:

  1. Adjust watering to maintain consistent moisture levels.
  2. Check for pests and treat accordingly with natural remedies.
  3. Ensure proper soil conditions by improving drainage and adding nutrients if needed.
  4. Prune damaged or dead branches to promote healthy growth.
  5. If your thuja continues to show signs of distress, replant it in a more suitable location.

By following these natural methods, you can give your thuja the best chance to recover and thrive for years to come!

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