Thin Man Arborvitae Care Guide

Ensuring your new shrubs thrive in their Philly home.

From Gemini - 11/5/25

🌳 Optimal Planting Method

The best start for your Arborvitae involves preparing the hole and the root ball correctly to encourage rapid root establishment and minimize "transplant shock".

1. Digging: Wide and Shallow

  • The hole must be "2 to 3 times wider" than the root ball.
  • The hole should be "no deeper" than the root ball's height.
  • The top of the root ball/root flare must sit "at or slightly above" the surrounding soil grade. "Never plant too deep."

2. Root Preparation

  • Remove all containers, burlap, wire, and twine completely.
  • For container plants, gently slice or tease out circling roots to encourage outward growth.

3. Backfilling and Settling

  • Backfill the hole primarily with the "native soil".
  • Gently tamp or, ideally, "water in" the soil to eliminate air pockets around the root ball.

💧 Essential Aftercare: Watering and Mulch

→ Proper watering is the single most critical factor for survival during the first year.

Watering Schedule (Deeply & Slowly)

  • "Immediately Post-Planting:" Water deeply and thoroughly.
  • "Year 1 (Growing Season):" Water every 3-5 days. Check the soil first!
  • "How:" Use a hose on a slow trickle for 10-15 minutes at the base of each shrub to soak the entire root ball and surrounding soil.
  • "The Test:" Stick your finger 2-3 inches into the soil. If it is dry, water. If it is moist, wait.

Mulch Application (The 'Donut')

  • Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch (wood chips/bark).
  • Spread the mulch wide, creating a "donut" shape.
  • "CRITICAL:" Keep the mulch "2-3 inches away from the trunk" to prevent rot and pests.
  • Mulch helps regulate temperature and retains precious moisture.

⚠️ Troubleshooting Browning / Dieback

Browning is often a sign of stress (Transplant Shock), which is very common with new evergreens.

Action Plan: Ensure the plant is not too deep, and strictly adhere to the deep-but-infrequent watering schedule. Lightly prune only the completely dead, brittle brown sections, cutting back to healthy green wood.

✺

💧 Refined Watering & Urban Soil Strategy (South Philly Focus)

The search results confirm and refine the critical factors for 'Thin Man' Arborvitae, especially when dealing with the heavy, compacted **urban clay soil** common in South Philly.

The primary concern in heavy urban clay is **poor drainage**, which can lead to root rot (mimicking drought stress with browning leaves). The goal is to provide **consistent moisture** to the root ball without letting the roots sit in standing water.

1. The Soil Check (Most Critical Step)

Before **every** watering session, the client should perform a soil check. This prevents fatal overwatering in clay soil, especially during cool or rainy periods.

How to Check:

Action:

2. Recommended Watering Method (Low and Slow)

Arborvitae need the water to reach the original root ball, which can dry out even if the surrounding clay soil is saturated.

Method:

Duration & Volume:

3. Suggested Watering Frequency (First Year)

📝 **Important Note for Clay:** Because clay soil retains water for a long time, overwatering is a greater risk than in sandy soil. Always emphasize the **"Check the Soil First"** rule.

4. Urban Soil Improvement

If the shrubs are still showing signs of stress after confirming the watering schedule is correct, the issue is likely drainage:

Mulch:

Avoid Over-Amending: