Newly Planted Emerald Green Arborvitae Browning Inside: Transplant Shock?

Likely Transplant Shock—Not a Watering Crisis

Planted in October, watered every 3–4 days via root feeder, now showing interior browning. This is classic transplant shock: the tree is shedding older, inner needles due to root disturbance. The outer foliage is green—that's the key indicator of health.

What to Do

• Continue watering when soil under the root ball feels dry (3–4 days is reasonable).
• Apply 2–3 inches of mulch (shredded bark, pine straw) to conserve moisture—keep it off the trunk.
• Do not fertilize the first year.
• Monitor: new growth at branch tips next spring confirms recovery.

You're doing the right things. Patience is the final ingredient.