Even though Arborvitae are generally low-maintenance, you can’t just plant them and forget them. The ‘Smaragd’ variety (also known as Emerald Green) is a bit more high-maintenance than its cousins and needs a little extra TLC—especially when it comes to staying hydrated.
How should you water your Smaragd Arborvitae?
Getting the watering balance just right is the secret sauce for a healthy Smaragd. Keep in mind that a full hedge or young, newly planted trees will be much thirstier than an established, standalone tree. To make sure your trees can actually drink up the water you give them, your soil should be:
- Well-draining
- Consistently moist (but not soggy!)
- Not too acidic
- Rich in organic matter (humus)
Bone-dry soil actually has a hard time absorbing water, and unfortunately, Arborvitae really hate drought. On the flip side, if your soil is too hard or compacted, water pools up and can lead to root rot. Your best bet is to make sure the ground is nice and loose right from the start when planting. If your tree is getting too much water or not enough, it’ll let you know by developing brown tips.
When a dry spell hits, you’ll need to grab the garden hose regularly. Aim the water directly at the soil rather than soaking the trunk or the foliage. Pro tip: It’s much better to give them one deep soak a week rather than a little sprinkle every day. This encourages the water to reach the deep roots where it’s needed most.
When is the best time to water?
Early morning is the “golden hour” for watering your hedge. This gives the plants plenty of time to dry off throughout the day. Damp foliage is an open invitation for fungal diseases to move in. Since the air is naturally more humid at night, adding extra water late in the evening creates the perfect breeding ground for those pesky fungi.
Do Smaragd Arborvitae need water in the winter?
Believe it or not, your hedge can actually die of thirst in the winter! Bright winter sun can cause moisture to evaporate from the needles and the ground even when it’s chilly. Because of this, you’ll need to give your trees a drink every now and then during the winter months. Just make sure to pick a day when the ground isn’t frozen so the water can actually reach the roots.
