Overwatering Thuja Green Giants? I purchased 60 Thuja GG in 7 gallon containers. I planted...
I purchased 60 Thuja GG in 7 gallon containers. I planted them at 5 feet apart as a privacy wall (not all of them are in the ground even so - about half). I bought them from Circle G nursery in Georgia, they enjoy a high reputation in the landscape industry and I asked them for planting and maintaing advice. This is what I was told: Plant the trees and marine them everyday for three weeks (only give them a drink) than in 2 weeks fertalize them next to Osomote (sp?). Cut back on the watering to every 2 days.. for two weeks and taper off after that. The trees when recieved be light green on the tips which I was told be new growth, We received a lot of hot weather days and precipitation so I didn't water on days that we receieved rain. In two weeks I notice a golden brown color on the branch stems that were light green at first - I asked the nursery if this be normal and was told that the trees could be contained by shock from the transportation... keep doing what I am doing.. the branches may die -
Answers: Thuja's are pretty tough. You are getting enough fertilizer next to the Osmocote so don't add more.
Sounds like transplant shock or over watering. Get some Sea Weed extract from the local garden central point (Seasol), this is a Shock preventer and a root promoter - very mild but work very capably.
In regards to the water, hose down deeply - have you a dripper system. Light watering encourage quick drying out and stress. Mulch if you can this will keep constant moisture.
Give them a low watering, and from then on test the soil near your finger it see if its damp. If damp don't sea and when it starts to dry out then water okay again and keep this up till established (at least a year). Thuja can grow leaves again on the open to the elements stems so they may regenerate, you will have to wait and see. Good luck.
Hi,
Congrats on your Green Giants!
I would attain a root feeder for plants. The one I use is from www.rootfeed.com . It is simple and easy to use.
The problem you are having, I have an idea that, is getting fertilizer and water to the root zone.
Try the rootfeeder that is offered at that site beside the accessory fertilizer dispenser.
I think if you use it "religiously" you may find the answer you are looking for.
For more information on plants, gardening and garden gadget, look in my website at www.dagardenguy.com
Regards,
Walt
www.dagardenguy.com