Hi,

I planted a dozen of Emerald Green Arborvitae trees last fall, and they seem to be doing good. Early spring of this year they still looked good, and then it got pretty cold and windy first week of April, and about 4 - 5 of trees only one side turned brown, the other side still looks good/green. What do you think has caused this problem, and will the trees recover. And also should I cut off the brown branches (about 1/3 of the tree).

It is unusual for evergreens to turn brown so quickly, and unusual that it would be from cold weather in April when winter is far more stressful to them. Browning can be indicative of many things so it's difficult to give an exact diagnosis. Is the side they are brown on have more exposure to the west or north? Are they near a street where salt spray could've hit them? It could very well be delayed winter damage. My suggestion is to wait and see what happens rather than prune right away. If there is no sign of growth, then the dead parts should be removed. But it sounds like there won't be much left. You might consider having a local nursery or tree service take a look and give an evaluation.

James, I to am having the same issues as Dadi. The browning side of my thujas is facing the North side. Side that faces the south is nice ajd green and living. (Most sun esposure). Any recommendations as to what I can do to help browning side get nice and green?

James, I to am having the same issues as Dadi. The browning side of my thujas is facing the North side. Side that faces the south is nice ajd green and living. (Most sun esposure). Any recommendations as to what I can do to help browning side get nice and green?