Arborvitae Tip Browning After Planting: Water Stress Management

Arborvitae Tip Browning After Planting: Water Stress Management

Five new Arborvitae 'Aurea Nana' in Dallas, two with brown tips (3–6 mm) after 3 weeks in heat, possibly under-watered at lawn edge: transplant stress + inadequate water at root zone.

Watering Protocol

• 1 inch per week deep soak (measure with pan).
• First year critical: water weekly, deeply.
• Better: 1 deep soak vs. frequent light sprinkles.
• Mulch 3 inches organic; keep off trunk.

Other Care

• No fertilizer first year.
• Root stimulator was over-applied; no harm but no extra benefit.
• Monitor all five; edge plants dry faster.

Tip burn on new transplants is common; consistent deep watering resolves it.