Proper Planting Techniques for Large Pyramidal Arborvitae in Clay Soil

Planting 10-12 Foot Arborvitae in Challenging Conditions

An Indiana homeowner purchased five large pyramidal arborvitae for a low, occasionally damp site with heavy clay soil, having previously lost evergreens to deep planting.

Step-by-Step Planting Protocol

1. Plant now, not spring – Fall planting allows root establishment before winter.
2. Hole preparation – Twice the root ball width, only 3/4 depth to prevent deep planting.
3. Soil amendment – Mix compost into backfill for improved organic matter.
4. Root ball preparation – Remove wire basket entirely (primary cause of transplant failure). Peel back burlap to prevent root deflection.
5. Root flare exposure – Scrape excess soil from top of ball to reveal root flare (where roots meet trunk).
6. Mulch and water – Mulch root zone, water until ground freezes.

These techniques prevent common planting errors that kill expensive specimens.