Emerald Green Arborvitae Leafminer: Systemic Treatment and Fertilization

Symptom Pattern

Julie's 2004-planted arborvitae (VA Beach): tips browning outside-in since late summer, now sparse and terrible. Close-up shows tip damage.

Diagnosis: Arborvitae Leafminer

• Worm → moth lifecycle killing plants along East Coast
• Feeds inside foliage tips
• Causes browning from tips inward

Treatment Protocol

1. Systemic insecticide: Orthene (acephate) — kills from inside out
2. Follow-up: 20-10-10 NPK fertilizer — pushes new growth
3. Timeline: Improvement in 6 weeks

Professional Option

• Spray company: 2 treatments, $85-125/visit
• Faster, better results
• Recommended for large plantings

Recovery Confidence

"They will come back trust me its one of our main treatments we do up here."