We have 5 trees along our front yard. They have been there for many years and always have done well. They are 15 TO 18 feet tall. This year I noticed one in the middle is turning brown. The others are doing well. I dont see any bugs and the all get the same water from rain fall.

What do you think is wrong?

Is it possible to save a Green Arborvitae when it has turned almost completely brown as of 06 SEP? 3 of my 6 Arborvitae's are almost completely brown, this is after being planted about 4 months ago.

Thanks -Adam

This situation does not sound too hopeful. If the twigs, branches remain pliable and green just under the bark, then there is still life in the evergreen. Any other color than a moist looking green is telling you the tree is failing or already dead. Examine the branches and back into the trunks looking for good color. If these plants carry a warranty, inform the retailer now so that they can be examined. Transplant recovery is very hard on plants and especially evergreens. There are many factors that impact how well a plant recovers such as site, soil, water holding capacity, sunlight, etc.

Can you fertilize Arborvitae in the fall or only in the spring and what do you recommend for a good feed for the arborvitae

Yes, a fall fertilization can be done, late enough that it will not cause any growth yet this season. You should also water well late in the season as well. Spring fertilizer can be applied once growth resumes in 2015

Can you fertilize Arborvitae in the fall or only in the spring and what do you recommend for a good feed for the arborvitae

My arborvitae has some brown leaves and little turquoise balls have appeared on the leaves/branches. I know it must be a parasite of some kind but can't find what it is. Do you know how to treat it? Thanks. Martha

Arborvitae like other evergreens produce flower and seed, and I believe you are looking at arborvitae seed cones. the male flower which are separate from the females will die after pollination is complete leaving the femail flowers to create the cones you see. You can cut one open and should see seed formation inside.

I picked up some arborvitae from a friend that they dug up. They look good and healthy except the spots where they were by the fence or touching each other, this spots look dead and/or bare. Is there any way to fix those spots if the rest of the tree is still really healthy?

The needle loss (branches too) were likely due to a lack of sunlight, being crowded or against the fence as you note. Arborvitae do have the ability to generate buds from older living wood and sprout new needles and branches. What is dead will not recover and can be clipped out. Once those areas are again exposed to good light, good chance you will see recovery.

Thank you very much!!