Reviving Thin Arborvitae and Choosing Low-Maintenance Border Shrubs

20 Emerald Greens, 10 Yrs, Brown Interiors

Baltimore, MD. Watered 1–2 wk. Green outside, dead inside. Two show brown outside. Missed spring fertilizer. Bagworm?

Diagnosis

• Inner browning = normal evergreen shedding.
• Dead needle bundles = possible bagworm (caterpillars in bags). Check.
• If not bagworm: water more (moist 5" deep weekly).

Border Shrub Suggestions (4–5 ft, Low Trim)

1. Cornus alba 'Ivory Halo' (variegated dogwood)
2. Weigela
3. Spirea nipponica 'Snowmound'
4. Taxus media 'Densiformis', 'Everlow', 'Greenwave' (yews)
5. Buxus microphylla japonica 'Green Beauty' (boxwood)

Design Tip

Mix species in groups for interest and resilience.