It is not for nothing that the tree of life is one of the most popular plants for the hedge. Thuja is evergreen, quickly forms a dense privacy screen and is quite robust. If the thuja hedge turns brown, this is always an alarm signal for the gardener.

Diseases can be the cause of brown spots on the thuja

Why does the thuja turn brown?

There are a number of causes that lead to browning of the thuja needles. Most discolorations are caused by improper care. But diseases and pest infestation can also turn the tree of life brown. Sometimes tanning is due to external circumstances.

  • Thuja is too dry / too wet
  • over-fertilization
  • road salt in winter
  • Hedge trimmed in the sun
  • Diseases
  • pests

If the tree of life gets brown tips after pruning, you probably pruned when the weather was too good. Choose a cloudy day for pruning, but it shouldn't rain.

If you don't know exactly why the thuja is turning brown, carefully examine the needles, shoots and trunk. Only if you know the right causes can you find a remedy.

This is how the thuja hedge turns green again

If only a few shoots of the thuja are affected, there is hope that the hedge will turn green again. You simply cut off all affected shoots. However, you must not cut behind the green area or even into the old wood. There the tree of life no longer sprout and remains bare.

If half the tree is affected, the thuja can often no longer be saved. Then you should rather dig them up right away and replace them with new trees of life.

In the case of a fungal infestation, you must replace the soil before replanting, as the fungal spores hide in it. This is especially true if the diseased tree of life has suffered from root rot.

Caring for thuja properly

In most cases, proper care ensures that the Thuja hedge stays nice and green and healthy:

  • water regularly, even in winter!
  • prevent waterlogging
  • don't over-fertilize

Thuja likes it neither too dry nor too wet. In the first few years you have to water a tree of life hedge regularly, later whenever it is very dry outside.

Fertilize with organic fertilizers such as compost, horn shavings (32.93€) or manure. Use mineral fertilizers, strictly follow the instructions. When fertilizing trees of life, less is often more!

Control diseases and pests

If the brown needles or shoots were triggered by a disease or pest infestation, cut off all affected parts. Dispose of the trimmings in the household waste and not in the compost.

Provide the Thuja hedge with soil activator after a disease attack. This strengthens the thujas and makes them better at surviving diseases.

Always use clean cutting tools to avoid spreading diseases or pests. Clean the scissors carefully after use.

tips

In the fall, many thujas turn brown and dry on the inside. Many needles then simply fall off. This is a natural process and nothing to worry about.

Category:

Trees