Landscaping your home can be overwhelming at times due to the different flowers, shrubs, and trees that can be planted in your yard. Fortunately, the addition of any type of tree will improve the look and value of your home. Of course, you may not know which trees are best suited for your needs.
The American Arborvitae is a popular option because it is not only easy to plant and grow, but it is also a versatile option that can be used as an accent piece or planted in groups to create a privacy wall. With this guide, you will learn a few basic tips to help you plant and care for the American Arborvitae tree.
Planting
To get started, you will need to choose a location of your yard that receives full sun during most of the day. Because the tree can grow up to heights of 40 to 60 feet and have a spread between 10 and 15 feet, make sure to choose a location that is away from any outdoor structures and powerlines.
If you are planting multiple arborvitae trees to create a privacy wall, ensure there are a few feet in between each tree.
Dig a hole a few times the size of the tree's root ball. Use your hands to massage the root ball. This will help loosen up the roots, helping them implement into the soil.
Place the tree into the hole and surround with filler dirt and nutrient-rich soil. Surround the tree base with pine straw or mulch and water thoroughly.
Caring
The American Arborvitae tree is easy to maintain because it requires very little maintenance. To prevent the foliage from growing out haphazardly, you will need to trim the tree periodically. This will protect the tree's classic shape.
Use sharp pruning shears to cut off any browning foliage. If trimming a large portion of foliage is necessary, continue trimming all around the sides and top to reestablish the tree's shape.
Even though the tree is so durable, certain diseases and pests may harm the American Arborvitae.
Fungal pathogens may also harm your American Arborvitae, causing foliage to wilt, brown, and die completely. Fungal growth also stunts the growth of your tree. In most cases, applying a fungicide to the tree will be effective. However, trimming off the infected foliage and limbs is key to preventing the fungus from spreading to trees nearby.
If the fungus has started spreading through the entire tree, complete removal is best for saving other landscaping around your home.
Bagworm, spider mites, and aphids can all attack your tree, feeding off the foliage and bark. If you notice brown or grey foliage or decaying wood, your tree may be infested with pests. Applying an insecticide will kill any insects living in the tree while preventing further infestations.
For more information or advice, contact a business such as Beny's Tree Service.
After I decided to list my home for sale, I realized that there were a few things I needed to do if I wanted to sell my property quickly. For starters, I knew that I needed to have a few trees in my yard taken down, since they were too big and blocking the view of the street. I also wanted to have the trees in my yard pruned so that they would bloom properly in the spring. After they were trimmed, the entire yard looked incredible. Check out more about tree trimming by reading this handy website. You won't regret it!