I have 13 new Emerald Green Arborvitae that are 3.7 gallon ones. I planted them and put premium garden soil in the hole and backfilled with the soil also. I watered them about 4 gallons of water each yesterday and the day after. Now today they look a little lighter in color on the bottom but the top region still is dark green. The same thing is happening to the extra one I have that is in a bucket. I haven't watered them today since it rained. It is very humid though. Could you please tell me if they are dying or is it a normal process to become lighter in color when transplanting? Thank you.

The symptoms you share are not part of the transplant recover process. There could be some damaged branches, but would not expect that on all the plants. Evergreens use quite a bit of water, so be sure you have watered enough that the entire root ball has moisture. You can see what is going on with the one that you have not planted by pulling the pot off and seeing how much of the soil ball is moist. You did not mention if during the planting that you teased the roots loose from the ball to encourage the roots to leave the ball and grow out into the back fill material. if there is a warranty invloved with retailer, you should call and inform them of what is going on.