UPDATED WITH PICS Death of arborvitaes?

last year

last modified: last year

I have approximately 20 arborvitaes that enclose my backyard. They are completely dead. Summer of 2022 was when I first noticed 4 of them dead. Just 4 random ones, not next to each other. Spring arrived and the rest were fine. By July the majority of the rest died. Wondering if there is a new insect or fungus to the area? I ask because my neighbors in same area of Central Jersey lost theirs also. Coincidence? I can't believe that. I thought maybe the invasive lanternflies did this. But looking them and their diet, it perhaps maybe them? But I'm leaning towards fungus or another insect. I've been googling. And believe me, I know these shrubs are a lost cause. I have enjoyed their privacy qualities and thought they were so pretty, staying green year round. They reached heights of up to 15'. Just beautiful. My Dad passed away in 2020. Thanks covid. I purchased the house and feel like such a failure. He was so proud if his beautiful arbs. So I guess besides asking if anyone knows what may have happened, I also hesitate to try and plant again....... I can't replace unless I start with 2' arbs because anything taller is not affordable. And is it worth it so close to the deaths of these arbs? Perhaps whatever killed them is still here, in the soil, etc??

Featured Answer

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

last year

Arborvitae are prone to some insect issues but nothing that would wipe out an entire planting. And no known disease issues, either. The standard explanation for this situation is insufficient watering. These also have the common name of "swamp cedar", which indicates their desire to grow in consistently moist (but well drained) soils.

Did you experience any drought last season?

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Comments (17)

kitasei2
last year
2022 was a killer in my Hudson Valley. It was the drought plus the intensity of the heat- neither for long enough to raise alarm at the time but the damage showed up over the next year. Many arborvitaes like yours died. I am sorry for the loss of your father and his trees. Smaller ones will not only be more affordable. They will grow better and faster. Have a plan for drought and extreme heat waves. Store water for use when there may be restrictions.
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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
last year
last modified: last year
contact your local COUNTY extension office.. THEY WILL KNOW... or want to know.. what is going on in your yard ...

let us know what they say ....

btw.. how about some pix.. and some further info.. how old.. when planted.. etc... how watered if young

i find it hard to believe that well established mature trees would be harmed by some little NY drought.. this isnt the sahara ... did you lawn die.. did the trees go into dormancy and lose their leaves ...

ken
SheLovesKoalas thanked ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
mad_gallica (z5 Eastern NY)
last year
Was your father a waterer?

There are people who think that plants can't survive without being actively watered - even in a place like New Jersey. The plants get 'addicted' to high levels of moisture and never set down roots looking for water on their own. If that extra supply gets cut off, they don't deal with it at all well.
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SheLovesKoalas thanked mad_gallica (z5 Eastern NY)
deltaohioz5
last year
Bagworms
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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
last year
Unless a massive infestation, bagworms will not kill a arborvitae. And a serious infestation would be obviously noticeable. Virtually impossible to ignore or overlook. But drought combined with inadequate soil moisture (lack of irrigation) can be the kiss of death.
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SheLovesKoalas thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
Tim Wood
last year
This link should help https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=714749
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SheLovesKoalas
Original Author
last year
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SheLovesKoalas
Original Author
last year
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SheLovesKoalas
Original Author
last year
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SheLovesKoalas
Original Author
last year
last modified: last year
Sorry, I didn't know how to post pics in one reply or add to original post. I am looking for the pics from summer 2022 when the were gorgeous, lush, green and huge, full and tall. I'm telling ya that when I took these last pics a couple of days ago, the devastation came back full force. Hate to admit, but when any living thing dies on my watch, it's very upsetting. Including the smallest flower I may plant in a season that is only meant to last a season.
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SheLovesKoalas
Original Author
last year
Can anyone tell me how to respond individually to each comment, suggestion or question?

i found the edit button to correct my mistakes, but nowhere can I find to add pics to my original post, or to post more than one pic per post/comment.
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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
last year
The photos show a very substantial decline over a period of about 18 months but not enough detail to them to determine what is the precise cause.

Having said that, it is almost certainly a water issue - not enough (drought) or too much (poor drainage/saturated soils leading to root rots).
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floraluk2
last year
You can add more than one picture by just clicking the photo icon again. You can do it while exiting or in a new comment. You can't respond to individuals other than by referring to them or their points in the comments box.
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SheLovesKoalas thanked floraluk2
deltaohioz5
last year
Please post a closer picture of the dead trees.
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bengz6westmd
last year
Some of them look like they're falling over. Perhaps simply because they're dead, but also perhaps from severe root-girdling from being grown in pots.
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SheLovesKoalas thanked bengz6westmd
fionaeire
last year
I am in central new jersey also and have seen a lot of Arbs die off (even very mature ones) in the last two years. We had two summers with intense drought. Last summer it didn't rain at all for six weeks. Evergreens can take a while to show stress. I now have my Arbs hooked up to drip so I can supplement water during dry periods.
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