Saving Drought-Stressed Arborvitae: Will They Recover?

Five of my 15-foot-tall arborvitae are showing severe drought stress after our well failed. They've become sparse, with browning foliage, though some green remains. I'm watering daily now, but they're competing with nearby trees for moisture. A new neighbor's landscaping also cut off water from one side. Will these trees survive? If they show life in spring, will pruning encourage new growth?

Understanding the Problem

Arborvitae (Thuja) have wide-spreading root systems that anchor their tall, narrow form. When neighboring trees were planted, their root balls likely disturbed your arborvitae's roots. Now both sets of trees compete for water and nutrients—a losing battle for the established arborvitae.

Immediate Steps

• Mulch heavily: Apply 2–3 inches of well-rotted compost or aged manure around the base (keeping it off the trunk) to conserve moisture and slowly feed the soil.
• Water deeply, not just daily: Use a soaker hose to deliver a slow, deep soak 2–3 times a week rather than light daily sprinkling. This encourages deeper root growth.
• Consider root competition: The neighboring trees will only grow larger. You may need supplemental irrigation long-term.

Pruning Prospects

Conifers like arborvitae do not regenerate from old wood. Any stem that shows no green growth will remain bare. In spring, you can lightly trim branches that still have active growth, but never cut back into brown, leafless wood. After that, it's a waiting game—some may recover, others may not.

If the trees are too far gone, consider replacing them with more drought-tolerant screening plants or installing a dedicated irrigation zone.