View Messages

Return to Trees & Shrubs

emerald green privacy fence

[Post a Follow Up] [Post to this category]
From: Rick Q City: Stratford, CT
Hi. I was wondering if you could please help me. I planted a row of 15 emerald green arborvitae on 4 foot centers. They are about 5 feet tall and have very good width. The foliage is about 16-20 inches apart. If I want a wall without space, should I transplant at 3 foot centers? If so, when is the best time to transplant? How much width can they gain per year? I know they can gain about a foot height per year, but is the girth much less? Will fertilizer like holly tone increase growth? Thanks for your help.
	Extension Message From: Richard Hentschel Extension Educator, Horticulture DuPage/Kane/Kendall Unit hentsche@illinois.edu
Dear Rick: Your Arborvitae will fill in easily as a single row as you have them planted. The first season, the plants focus on rebuilding a root system and once the roots recover, much more needle growth will occur annually. Over planting and crowding them together will cause the body of the plant to thin out and that is the opposite of why you planted the screen in the first place. Be sure to water the planting during hot dry weather, especially while they are young. Hope this is helpful, Richard
[Post a Follow Up] [Post to this category]