Chicago and Milwaukee homeowners! Are you looking to add some privacy to your landscape? Emerald Green Arborvitae is a fantastic choice, especially suited for our unique Midwest climate. In this planting guide, we'll walk you through the steps to ensure these popular trees flourish in your yard.
Understanding Our Local Climate: The resilience of Emerald Green Arborvitae is a perfect match for our Chicago and Milwaukee weather, characterized by cold winters and varied seasons. These trees not only survive but thrive in our climate, making them a top choice for local gardeners.
Site Selection and Preparation: Sunlight is key. Choose a location that offers full to partial sun exposure, ensuring your Arborvitae receives the light it needs. Remember, the right spot is crucial for the tree’s growth and overall health.
Hedge Planting Strategies: When envisioning a hedge, consider your immediate needs:
- 2ft spacing: Hedge - The trees will be almost touching from the start and will grow into a solid hedge quickly.
- 2.5ft spacing: Privacy screen - The trees will give you instant privacy, there will be some gaps in between the trees to start. These gaps will fill in and form a hedge in the future.
- 3ft spacing: Full Coverage at Maturity - There will be large gaps to start, at maturity the trees will create a privacy screen
- 4ft spacing: Stand Alone - Large gaps between the trees, at maturity the trees will not be touching and will still maintain a stand alone appearance.
Soil Considerations: Proper drainage is essential. If your garden has naturally well-draining soil, you're off to a good start. In areas with heavier soil, amending with triple mix improves drainage, creating a healthier root environment. This step is particularly important in our region, where soil types can vary significantly.
The Planting Process: Handle the rootball with care. The burlap and string should remain intact during planting to preserve the root structure. Place the tree in the prepared hole, then backfill, ensuring the tree is stable and upright. This method reduces transplant shock and promotes healthier growth.
Fertilization Techniques: A balanced bone meal (4-10-10) fertilizer is ideal at planting. Just a handful per tree is enough to kickstart root development, crucial for the tree’s acclimation to its new environment.
Tree Stability and Adjustment: Once planted, compacting the soil around the base is key to prevent the tree from tilting. If you notice some leaning in the days following planting, it's typically due to the soil settling. Simply reposition the tree as needed for straight growth.
Watering Regimen: In our region, establishing a consistent watering schedule is critical, particularly during our hot summers. Deep, infrequent watering encourages the roots to grow deeper, building a more resilient tree.
This comprehensive guide is your roadmap to successfully planting and caring for Emerald Green Arborvitae in the Chicago and Milwaukee areas. From initial planting to ongoing care, these steps will ensure your Arborvitae not only survives but thrives, adding beauty and privacy to your landscape for years to come.