How And When To Feed Browning Arborvitae

Question From: M. Wells - TEXAS
Q: Hi, when should I fleed my (huge) arborvitae and with what? Also, one section on the north side has a brown area. The rest looks very healthy. I live near Houston. Thank you for your advice!

A:

Mary, I feed my shrubs in late winter. Plant Tone by Espoma is good for evergreens as is Holly Tone. Browning may be caused by chemical damage. Could be liquid fertilizer or herbicide. Spider mites also cause browning. Timing can be a clue. In winter it could be wind burn in summer could be spider mite. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy