Arborvitae Planting Fall Guide for Homeowners 🌲

Want fast-growing privacy and evergreen beauty in your yard? Arborvitae (Thuja) trees are one of the most popular choices. Planting them in fall gives roots time to establish before spring growth. This guide shows homeowners how to plant arborvitae successfully in autumn — from soil prep to spacing, watering, and care.

Fall planting sets arborvitae up for success, giving roots a head start before next year’s growth spurt.

Why Plant Arborvitae in Fall?

• Cooler temperatures: Reduces stress on young trees.

• Moist soil conditions: Autumn rains provide natural watering.

• Root development: Energy goes underground instead of into foliage.

• Spring advantage: Trees emerge strong, green, and ready to grow.

Popular Arborvitae Varieties

Variety	Height	Spread	Best Use
Emerald Green Thuja	10–15 ft	3–4 ft	Privacy hedges, small yards
Green Giant Thuja	30–40 ft	12–15 ft	Large privacy screens, windbreaks
Techny Arborvitae	15–20 ft	4–6 ft	Cold-hardy hedges
American Arborvitae	40–60 ft	10–15 ft	Natural-looking landscapes

Pro Tip: Choose a variety that matches your yard size — Green Giants can overwhelm small spaces.

Best Time in Fall to Plant Arborvitae

• Early to mid-fall (September–October in most climates) is ideal.

• Plant at least 6 weeks before ground freezes.

• Avoid planting late fall in regions with harsh winters — roots won’t have enough time to establish.

Step-by-Step Fall Planting Guide

1. Choose the Right Location

• Full sun to partial shade.

• Well-draining soil.

• Avoid soggy or compacted ground.

2. Measure Spacing

• Emerald Green: 3–4 ft apart for hedges.

• Green Giant: 6–8 ft apart for large screens.

• Always consider mature spread to avoid overcrowding.

3. Dig the Hole

• Twice as wide as the root ball, no deeper than its height.

• Loosen soil at bottom for drainage.

4. Place the Tree

• Remove container or burlap.

• Set root ball level with soil line — never plant too deep.

5. Backfill and Water

• Mix native soil with compost if poor quality.

• Backfill firmly but gently.

• Water thoroughly until soil settles.

6. Mulch Around Base

• 2–3 inches of mulch helps retain moisture.

• Keep mulch 2–3 inches away from trunk to prevent rot.

Watering Schedule in Fall

Stage	Frequency
First 2 weeks	Every 2–3 days
Weeks 3–6	Once per week
After establishment (before frost)	Every 10–14 days if no rain

Fertilizing Arborvitae in Fall

• Avoid heavy fertilizing in fall — it can push new growth too late.

• Use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring instead.

• If soil is very poor, a light application of compost in fall is safe.

Protecting Arborvitae Through Winter

• Wrap burlap around young trees to prevent windburn.

• Water deeply before the first hard freeze.

• Use stakes for tall, newly planted trees in windy areas.

• Watch for snow/ice load — gently brush off heavy accumulation.

Young arborvitae are vulnerable to winter burn, especially on the south-facing side. Burlap screens are cheap insurance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Planting too close together — leads to disease and poor airflow.

• Overwatering — roots rot easily in soggy soil.

• Planting too late — roots need 4–6 weeks before ground freeze.

• Forgetting mulch — bare soil dries and freezes faster.

Troubleshooting Fall-Planted Arborvitae

Problem	Cause	Fix
Browning tips	Transplant stress, windburn	Water regularly, use burlap protection
Leaning trees	Loose soil, wind	Stake until roots establish
Root rot	Overwatering or poor drainage	Improve drainage, plant higher
Uneven growth	Shading from nearby trees	Ensure full sun access

Conclusion

Planting arborvitae in fall gives them the best start for rapid spring growth. With proper spacing, soil prep, watering, and winter protection, your arborvitae will thrive as a natural privacy screen or landscape accent.

Arborvitae planted right in fall will reward you with years of evergreen beauty and dependable coverage.

FAQ

When is the best time to plant arborvitae in fall? Early to mid-fall, at least 6 weeks before the ground freezes.

How far apart should arborvitae be planted? Emerald Green: 3–4 ft apart; Green Giant: 6–8 ft apart.

Do arborvitae need fertilizer in fall? No, wait until spring for fertilizer; compost in fall is safe.

Should I mulch arborvitae after planting? Yes, 2–3 inches of mulch helps with moisture and insulation.

Can arborvitae survive winter after fall planting? Yes, with proper watering, mulch, and burlap protection if needed.