Treating Common Arborvitae Diseases

An arborvitae is a narrow and dense evergreen tree that is extremely easy to grow. Besides needing very little maintenance, the arborvitae are quite beautiful, which is why they are used for landscaping purposes. These trees can be grown at almost any time of the year and grow to heights of about 20 to 30 feet. Like most trees, the only real care required is watering, fertilizing and pruning.

However, the arborvitae tree can develop diseases that have to be treated quickly and effectively for the tree to survive. Here are some of the most common arborvitae diseases and treatments for them.

Tree Fungal Diseases

There are different categories of fungus that can infect an arborvitae tree. These are butt and root rot, vascular wilt, foliar/shoot, and canker. These funguses can affect the growth of the tree in many ways. They can infect the plant right at the roots or infect the leaves and branches.

The only way to treat these problems is through the use of appropriate fungicide. Some fungicides have to be delivered directly into the roots while others have to be sprayed on branches and leaves. Ensure that you use the fungicide properly and regularly as directed.

Sunscald Diseases

This is another common problem with an arborvitae tree. This type of problem can cause death and injury to a tree’s tissues, which leads to damage in the underlying tissues or to the bark of the tree. One way to prevent this disease from affecting the arborvitae is by wrapping the barks of trees in winter. While wrapping the tree, brush the bark first so that insects and loose pieces of the bark are removed. Wrap the tree during early spring.

Another way of preventing sunscald diseases from affecting arborvitae is by painting white reflective paint on the barks.

Drying Up

Arborvitae trees and shrubs tend to dry up. This usually occurs just beneath the plant’s outer green portion. Although pruning is what most people think of as a treatment, it can be difficult to shape the plant in these places. You can treat it by spraying yucca extract on the arborvitae tree or shrub a few times in the year. This will keep all the leaves green and the tree will stay healthy and free of diseases and insects.

Arborvitae Leafminer

This is another common problem that arborvitae trees face. This disease is caused by a worm that eventually turns into a moth which lays eggs on the leaves. When these eggs hatch, the larvae start to munch on the leaves, causing the leaves to die out and turn brown. This disease can be controlled by spraying acephate on the tree so that the larvae are controlled before the mining can begin. You can also drench the soil in early spring with imidacloprid. This can provide control all through the season.

Properly treating your arborvitae tree for disease will keep it lush and green for years to come. Happy gardening!