Arborvitae Browning from Fertilizer Spikes: Salt Burn

Cause

Jobes evergreen spikes = concentrated fertilizer salt in one spot. Roots hit salt zone → burn → foliage browning. Spikes don't match root distribution.

Remediation

• Water heavily: 1" every 3 days for month (pan test) → leaches salts.
• Remove visible spikes if possible.
• Future: Broadcast granular fertilizer evenly; soil test first.

Why Spikes Fail

Roots grow outward; spikes create toxic hot spots. Winter application worsens burn (roots less active, salts concentrate).