Leaves Of Young Arborvitae In Nursery Pot Are Turning Brittle And Dropping

Question From: A. Starcke - Lorton, Virginia, United States
Q: My very young arbor vitae (2 ft tall) is losing its leaves and they are turning brittle. Most of the leaves remain green but are just drying up and falling off, but a few are becoming flexible again? It is still in its nursery pot since last December and has not been planted? Is it dying or should I try to plant it ASAP and see if being in the ground will help?

A: It may have dried out over the winter. Plant it and see what happens. Do keep the soil moist. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy