Will Arborvitae With Dead Growth On Bottom Recover

Question From: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
Q: My arborvitaes have 2 to 3 feet of dead growth on the bottom, either the cold winter or rabbits have done the damage. The tops of the trees are still green, is there any chance that they will recover?

A: They may. There are latent buds in the branches. If they were not damaged by the severe cold they will produce new needles. Shrubs are budding out late this year. Be patient. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy.