What do I need to do to get arborvitaes that I planted to grow?

Question

I keep losing some of the bushes they are about 5' tall. Some of the bushes were planted in a wet area of the yard (we had a lot of rain this year) and I realized that I had to replant them and put them on a small berm. But they still do not look like the are adjusting, even the ones that I rercently purchased to replace the ones that had died. Do I feed them in August or what? I appreciate any advice!

Answer 1

they need time to develop a good root system.  sometimes we kill plants with too much attention.  if they're getting the right amount of water and the soil is good, give it time.

Answer 2

You did the right thing by creating the berm.Just keep them waterd well until they are well established.Berms dry out faster than surrounding soil.Don't expect much growth this year.Don't fertilize with a standard fertilizer this year.You want to get the roots well established before you push the top growth.Purchase a fertilizer for new plantings.This will be low nitrogen.Some have root growth hormones added, and are especially beneficial.I also recommend a product called Super Thrive.It is a liquid mixture of micro elements that plants need and hormones.The label claims may sound like a snake oil,to good to be true.I promise you it works, and works well.I have used it at home, and professionally for years in landscapes and greenhouses.