Globe Arborvitae Leaf Tips Turning Brown

Question From: J. Jacobs - PENNSYLVANIA
Q: It's December in Philadelphia area. Ground isn't frozen yet and I planted 2 small Globe Arborvitae's in my yard. Used Miracle Gro ammendment w/clay soil. Watered well, mulched well. It's been cold and these 2 small bushes sat in their 5 gall. containers for 2 month but were well watered. They have taken a brownish tint but only on the edges of the foilage. Inside is a nice green. Do you think they will establish themselves throughout the winter months if they are wall watered and not lose any foilage, assuming we get no ice or snow?

A:

Browning on the tips of the foliage is not a good sign. Could be overwatering or under-watering. Take care to keep the soil moist but do not overwater them. Do not fertilize them for a year. Just keep the soil moist. Depending on the their condition when they were planted, they should be fine. Good Luck and Happy Yardening, Nancy.