The tree of life or thuja is one of the most popular trees and shrubs in the garden. Above all, the western tree of life (Thuja occidentalis) is often used as a robust and easy-care hedge plant. Although older Thuja and those that are established at their location are relatively tolerant of drought, young and newly planted specimens in particular should be regularly supplied with moisture.
Small thujas need some water from time to time
Keep freshly planted thuja moist
When freshly planted thuja die off or suddenly turn brown leaves, drought is often the cause. In the first two weeks after planting, you should water the young arborvitae about every other day so that the soil is moist - but never wet! Too much moisture leads to waterlogging, which the trees cannot tolerate either. In the third and fourth week after planting, water about every third or fourth day, after that only once a week. Exception: The weather is very hot and dry, so you have to water the can twice a week. After about six months, the trees have grown and, apart from very dry phases, no longer need any additional watering.
Plant thuja in moist soil
At best, plant your thuja in slightly moist, but not wet soil: both dryness and permanent wetness lead to the death of the plants. In order to keep moisture loss as low as possible, you should also install an additional windbreak for the first few weeks in windy locations - after all, Thuja is often used as a windbreak. This also ensures that the trees are more stable until they are fully grown.
Tips for proper watering of thuja
The following tips will help keep your Thuja plantings healthy and properly hydrated:
- Water the plants early in the morning if possible.
- Midday watering should be avoided.
- Reasons are the so-called burning glass effect and increased evaporation.
- Even watering in the evening is suboptimal, this promotes mold growth.
- Do not water the thuja with cold water.
- Rainwater collected in tons is optimal.
- Only water the soil, never the leaves: this promotes fungal diseases.
tips
Pearl or drip hoses are suitable for automatic watering.