How to Plant Arborvitae Trees | Steps for Strong Growth

Plant an arborvitae with the root flare slightly above soil grade in well-drained soil, in full to partial sun, then water deeply and mulch correctly for the best chance of healthy establishment.

The trick to planting an arborvitae that thrives isn’t a secret formula — it’s getting five basics right in order: site selection, hole shape, root placement, backfill technique, and the first few weeks of watering. Miss one and the tree can struggle for years. Here’s how each step works for container-grown and burlap-wrapped arborvitae in a typical home landscape.

Choose the Right Spot and Prep the Soil

Arborvitae need at least six hours of direct sun daily. In hotter climates, a little afternoon shade helps prevent stress. The soil must drain well — standing water or consistently soggy ground invites root rot. If your yard has heavy clay, consider raising the planting bed or choosing a naturally drier area. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Leave enough room for the mature size of the variety you selected. A privacy screen that starts two feet apart can become a crowded, disease-prone tangle when the trees reach their full width. Check the tag for the expected spread and space accordingly.

Dig the Hole and Position the Root Ball Correctly

Dig a hole two to three times as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the root ball itself. A common mistake is digging too deep, which buries the root flare and suffocates the tree over time. Set the root ball in the hole so the top of the root flare sits at or slightly above the surrounding ground level.

If the plant is potbound with circling roots, gently loosen or tease them out before planting. For burlap-wrapped trees, remove any synthetic twine or wire and peel back as much natural burlap as you can reach. You do not need to remove every shred of burlap from under the root ball — what is exposed will wick moisture away as long as you have loosened the top.

Backfill, Water, and Mulch the Right Way

Backfill with the native soil you removed — no need for bagged amendments unless your soil is extreme. Firm the soil lightly with your hands to remove air pockets; do not tamp it with your feet or compact it heavily. Packed soil deprives roots of oxygen.

Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots. During the first two weeks, deep watering every other day is a solid starting point in most climates. After that, taper to deep soaking at least twice a week until the tree is established. The goal is consistently moist but never soggy soil. Overwatering is as dangerous as underwatering.

Apply about two inches of organic mulch around the base, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk. Mulch touching the bark traps moisture and invites rot or insect damage. Find the right plant food for arborvitaes to support steady foliage growth once the tree is established.

Timing, Fertilizer, and Common Mistakes to Avoid

The best time to plant is during mild weather — early fall or early spring, typically six to eight weeks before the first hard freeze in your region. Planting in the heat of summer or frozen ground puts unnecessary stress on a new tree.

Fertilize with a slow-release balanced formula in spring, or choose one with a higher nitrogen ratio like 10-4-4 to encourage healthy foliage. Wait until the tree is established — usually after the first growing season — before feeding. The five most common planting errors are easily avoided:

• Planting in poorly drained soil.
• Digging the hole too deep and burying the root flare.
• Inconsistent watering during establishment.
• Packing soil tightly around the roots.
• Piling mulch against the trunk.