Saving Emerald Green Arborvitae After 30-Inch Snow Load

A gardener with eight 4-foot Emerald Green arborvitaes (Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd') suffered 30 inches of snow. Some split; others brown at the base and splaying outward. They ask if removing snow and wrapping in burlap will restore form.

Immediate Triage (While Snow Persists)

1. Gently remove snow: Use a broom, brushing upward. Don't shake—branches are brittle when frozen.
2. Do NOT wrap yet: Trapping snow/ice against foliage causes more damage.
3. Do NOT prune: Wait until spring. Frozen wood shatters.
4. Do NOT water: Frozen soil can't absorb; ice damages roots.
5. No salt: De-icing salt kills arborvitaes.

Assessing Damage

• Split leaders: If main stem split < 50%, can be cabled/bolted by arborist in spring.
• Splayed branches: Often recover if tied loosely with broad straps (not wire) in spring.
• Brown base: Could be snow mold, desiccation, or vole damage. Check for bark chewing at soil line.

Spring Recovery Plan

1. Unwrap/untie when thaw is consistent (night temps > 30°F).
2. Wait 3 weeks before any pruning—let plants signal what's alive.
3. Prune dead material back to green tissue or live buds.
4. Restore central leader: If split, select strongest upright shoot; stake loosely.
5. Fertilize: Slow-release evergreen fertilizer (10-6-4) after growth starts.
6. Water deeply during dry spells first growing season.

Burlap Use: Correct Method

Next winter: Install before snow, not after.

• Drive stakes 12 inches out from plant
• Wrap burlap around stakes (not touching foliage)
• Leave top open for air/light
• Remove promptly in spring

Alternative: Spray anti-desiccant (Wilt-Pruf) in late fall. Reapply mid-winter if warm spell.

Long-Term Structural Improvement

• Annual light shearing in early summer promotes density
• Never shear into old wood (no buds = permanent holes)
• Multi-stem plants: select 3-5 strong leaders; remove others at base