Thuja care in the spring: growing on the street, in the garden, in the country, the rules of planting and care in the Moscow region, the Leningrad region

Thuja is one of the main representatives of the Cypress family. The culture is distinguished by its long lifespan and evergreen color. Planting and caring for thuja in the open field in spring is a fairly popular topic among gardeners: despite the unpretentiousness of the conifer, there are many nuances and rules for keeping it on the site.

Thuja can most often be found in gardens as part of flower beds or in the variant of a single planting. Moreover, the tree is widely known for its medicinal properties, which makes it even more valuable.

It is important for everyone who wants to purchase such a plant to know how to properly plant thujas on the site, carefully study the photo and the rules for caring for the tree.

What is better to plant on the site: thuja or juniper 

Both thuja and juniper are characterized by a wide selection of species and ornamental varieties for planting on the site. However, there are significant differences between plants:

1. The form. Many varieties of thuja are characterized by an ideal spherical shape, unlike juniper, which is best used as a creeping plant.
2. Mode of application. Juniper is practically unsuitable for creating a hedge. Tui seedlings are ideal for this purpose. Juniper is often used in single or group plantings, in addition, the plant has a rather long growth period and is much more expensive.
3. Growth conditions. Despite the fact that both conifers are classified as picky plants, they react differently to external conditions. So, thuja is able to grow and develop well even in a smoky and gassed environment. For juniper, such factors can be fatal. That is why thuja is great for planting in a city, while juniper can only adapt normally to a summer cottage.
4. Demanding to the soil. Thuja prefers rich, moist soil in a well-lit area. Juniper has a higher resistance to drought and frost, adapts well even to poor soils.
5. The amount of phytoncides that destroy bacteria in the air and fill it with a characteristic coniferous aroma. The content of substances in juniper is much higher, which is why the plant is of value to the environment.

The choice of conifer for the site should be based on the place of growth, the quality of the soil and the purpose of planting the crop (garden composition, hedge, single planting, etc.)

What height does thuja grow

The height of the conifer directly depends on its variety, which is also important to consider before planting a plant on the site: for example, there are thuja up to 6 m high (Folded, or Giant), and some can exceed 20 m in height with a trunk diameter of 70 cm (Western ).

It is worth considering that arborvitae of tall varieties have a lower decorative value and a slow growth rate, so they are best used for planting in the spring in a botanical garden, park or nursery.

In the open field at the initial stages of development, thuja grows rather slowly, its growth rate does not exceed 40 cm per year. Over time, this figure rises, and the shoots gradually change from a flat shape to a lush and rounded one, while acquiring a red-brown hue.

Decorative forms of a coniferous plant can grow 3-55 cm in 60 years, and in adulthood reach more than 2 m in height. The growth rate of a culture depends significantly on the latitude of its place of growth. In the forest regions of the Arctic, the tree reaches no more than 40 cm at the age of 6 years (annual growth is only 5 – 8 cm). And in the southern regions, in a short period of time, the conifer can become a real giant.

When is the best time to plant thuja: in spring or autumn

Due to its unpretentiousness, it is allowed to plant a plant in open ground in any season. However, most gardeners prefer planting arborvitae in the spring: it is the spring period that has a beneficial effect on the open root system of the conifer and enables young seedlings to better adapt to new conditions. Moreover, trees planted in the spring will be able to better relate their life cycle to the biological clock, as well as prepare for the first winter.

When to plant thuja in open ground in spring

The most optimal period for planting thuja is early spring, before the start of the sap flow process. The time of active growth of the conifer begins in May, so it is best to plant a tree in mid-April, as soon as the period of severe frosts ends.

It is correct to plant thuja in the spring after the first warming up of the earth, depending on the weather of the region. It is during the period from April to May that both the shoots of the conifer and its roots begin to grow actively. In spring, thuja most easily tolerates planting. In addition, a slightly frozen earthen lump will retain its integrity. And by the winter period, the tree will grow a strong root system.

Thuja has a large number of varieties, the most popular of which for planting in the spring are western (varieties Smaragd, Danica, Brabant, Teddy), as well as eastern.

In the Leningrad region, thujas are common only with a closed root system, which is why seedlings are planted exclusively in the warm period, best of all in mid-spring (April – early May).

How to plant thuja in open ground in spring

Despite the fact that caring for thuja in the spring is not particularly difficult, the process of planting a conifer in the ground on a personal plot has its own characteristics, which are important to familiarize yourself with when buying a seedling.

It is recommended to adhere to the following rules:

1. Experts advise postponing planting in the spring, as this can harm the plant’s adaptation process in a new place. The youngest seedlings are much easier and faster to take root in a new environment and conditions.
2. In the process of planting a plant from a pot, it is extremely important to leave the earthen ball intact.
3. When planting a crop in the spring, it is necessary to simultaneously feed with a mixture of turf, sand and peat.
4. In the process of planting, experts recommend adding 50-60 g of nitroammorphoska to the soil. The amount of added substance can be increased, depending on how many trees you want to plant.

It is equally important to familiarize yourself in detail with the technology of planting thuja in the spring and carefully study the step-by-step description of the process.

Where to plant thuja on the site

If the thuja is planted in the spring in a garden plot, then it is best to do this in a semi-shaded area that will not be illuminated by the sun all day. Constant exposure to direct sunlight can lead to dehydration of the plant or increase the risk of disease during severe frosts. It is best to use soddy soil with the addition of a mixture of sand and peat. Planted in the spring, thuja is also able to develop well on other types of soil: a swamp, clay or sandy loam is well suited for it.

What can be planted next to thuja

To beautifully plant a thuja in the spring in a garden or summer cottage, you can combine the conifer with other types of plants: this will give the composition more decorativeness, and, in addition, help enhance its beneficial properties.

Thuja feels best near deciduous shrubs and flower beds:

• spirea;
• acacia;
• larches;
• cypress;
• spruce;
• dwarf juniper;
• hosts;
• dicentres;
• hydrangeas;
• astilbe;
• hybrid petunia.

You can find out more information about caring for thuja in the spring and about the features of growing conifers in the garden from the video:

At what distance from the fence can thuja be planted

In adulthood, thuja can reach more than 3 m in height, so even the smallest trees are best planted at a distance of 1 – 1,5 m from the fence. Proper observance of the distance will help ensure the healthy growth of the ephedra and its proper development throughout the entire period of life.

What to plant between thujas along the fence

When planting along the fence in spring, thuja can be combined with other types of coniferous plants: spruce, juniper, pine, etc. Often, designers, combining different heights, textures, shapes and shades of tree needles, create unusual combinations and landscape compositions.

As a non-standard solution, you can use the combination of thuja with climbing plant species or flower liana: the conifer will act as a support for smaller plants, without harming the development of their root system.

Is it possible to plant thuja near the house

Despite the simplicity of keeping the conifer, gardeners categorically do not recommend planting thuja near the house: due to the high growth rate, in a few years the tree can block most of the site. In addition, planting a thuja near the house in a flower bed in the spring can harm the flowers growing nearby, which is why the conifer will have to be uprooted.

Moreover, the people consider thuja a tree of sorrow and sadness, therefore it is believed that it should not be placed near the dwelling, especially if there is a young girl in the house: the tree can scare away all her suitors and bring loneliness.

Selection and preparation of seedlings

In nurseries and specialized stores, a fairly wide range of thuja seedlings of different varieties and decorative forms is presented, which differ in both age and size. There is an option to purchase a small tree that can be placed in the spring on the site after growing. It is best to give preference to the choice of young seedlings, as they have a higher level of adaptation.

If you want to design the site faster, then you should choose already mature trees.

When choosing a seedling, it is extremely important to evaluate the appearance of the plant, paying attention to two main factors: the level of soil moisture in the container and how tightly the needles stick to the shoots.

A quality and healthy seedling has strong and resilient branches, free from unidentified stains and physical damage from pests and diseases. The needles should fit snugly to the shoots and in no case crumble.

It is best to plant a plant in the ground in the spring immediately after purchase.

How to plant thuja in spring

Planting thuja in open ground in the spring significantly reduces the risk of diseases in the ephedra. In addition, it increases the speed of adaptation of the tree to new conditions.

 When planting thuja in the spring, you must follow simple rules:

1. The depth of the planting pit should be at least 80 – 100 cm, and its exact size directly depends on the volume of the root system of the planted conifer. The roots of the plant, as well as the preserved soil clod, must freely enter the pit and fit completely in it.
2. The width of the hole is on average 35-40 cm, and its depth is 30-40 cm more.
3. The bottom of the landing pit must be sprinkled with loose soil filled with fertilizers. To do this, conceived use wood ash, humus or compost. The addition of these substances will greatly simplify the further care of the thuja. It is possible to carry out the next top dressing of the plant only after 2 – 3 years.
4. If the roots of the conifer begin to dry out, they must be briefly placed in water.
5. After immersing the seedling in the planting hole, it must be sprinkled on top with a mixture of sand and earth in equal proportions.
6. If a thuja with a closed type of root system was chosen for planting, it should be carefully removed from the container along with the substrate, then placed in a planting hole and covered with earth. The soil around the plant should be lightly tamped and watered well (1 – 2 buckets of water).
7. If the tree is planted correctly, its root collar should be flush with the soil.
8. The soil in the near-stem circle needs mulching: peat, compost or crushed pine bark are often used for this. The mulch should only cover the soil and should be removed from the lower branches of the plant as well as the trunk to prevent dampening.
9. The arrangement of trees on the site also depends on the selected type of tree. Tall conifers should be planted at intervals of 4 – 5 m, the distance between low-growing trees is on average 1 – 1,5 m. This planting distance is also used to create a hedge or shady alley, regardless of the size of the plants.

How to care for thuja in the spring in the country, on the site, on the street

When planting thuja in the spring in the garden or in the country, it is important to carefully study all the features and possible difficulties in caring for the plant.

The lush needles of a tree can evaporate a large amount of moisture, which is why you need to carefully monitor the condition of the soil and prevent it from drying out, regardless of the season. In the spring, at the initial stages of growth, it is necessary to water the conifer more often, as well as to spray the crown. This will help wash off the accumulated dust, open the stomata of the leaves and ensure a more intense flow of all physiological processes.

The first 3 – 4 years, trees need to create a shelter to avoid burns from active sunlight.

Mature trees have a fairly high level of frost resistance, however, in winter, their branches are pulled together with twine to avoid injury to the crown during heavy snowfalls.

Watering Schedule

Thuja is classified as moisture-loving crops. It is necessary to water the plant in spring time once a week, depending on weather conditions. On average, one young seedling should take up to 1 liters of water. With heavy rainfall in the spring, the frequency of watering can be reduced, and in the summer, in open ground conditions, it can be increased (with an interval of 10-3 days). On especially hot days, thuja should be moistened every 4 to 2 days. The volume of water spent in this case increases by 3 -1,5 times. Mature trees need more moisture, while young seedlings should be watered a little more often.

It is equally important to irrigate the crown in order to give the branches greater elasticity, and the leaves a bright and juicy color. In the spring, the procedure can be carried out twice a day, in the morning and evening.

Loosening and mulching the soil

Loosening the soil in the spring is carried out during the growing season by 8 – 10 cm in depth (the thuja has a superficial root system). Trunk circles need to be mulched using peat, wood chips, bark or compost. This helps protect the root system from overheating and drying out in the summer, as well as from freezing in the winter.

Top dressing schedule

As soon as the thuja is planted on a permanent site in the spring, its first top dressing should be immediately carried out using a growth stimulator solution. The components in its composition contribute to the rapid rooting of the tree, and also significantly increase overall immunity. In the spring, an adult plant needs top dressing containing potassium and phosphorus. It is carried out twice, with an interval of 10 – 15 days.

The development of thuja in spring is positively influenced by the use of organic and mineral fertilizers, as well as special preparations for coniferous trees (Fertika, etc.) or compost. They must be applied twice a season (in spring and summer), after loosening the soil in the area of ​​​​the trunk circle. In the summer, it will also be necessary to water the trees using a fertilizer solution.

Crown formation

Thuja is characterized by rapid adaptation to shaping, which allows designers to give it almost any shape: pyramidal, spiral, spherical or columnar. To keep the tree in the spring of an ideal crown, you need to cut it regularly, removing damaged, dried or too long branches. Moreover, pruning helps to make the crown denser and give the tree a beautiful and healthy look.

The formation of thuja in the spring is especially important for the proper growth of the conifer.

To properly trim the crown in the spring, it is important to consider a few points:

1. The best periods for the procedure will be spring or summer (beginning of April and end of June).
2. It is necessary to cut off all dry branches in order to qualitatively thin out the crown of the conifer. This will greatly improve air circulation and reduce the likelihood of diseases.
3. To shape the crown, you need to use special garden shears or secateurs.
   Important! The scissors should be sharp enough so that a perfectly even cut can be obtained during the trimming process.

4. To promote the growth of the tree in width, in the spring it is necessary to cut the upper region of the arborvitae. If the crown of the tree has a spherical shape, cut off long branches that extend beyond it.
5. Tree pruning in spring is carried out only on a dry sunny day.
6. It is necessary to cut off the root of the conifer a few days after removing the protective cape that covered the plant in winter. In early spring, you need to wait a bit and allow the culture to take its natural shape, and then proceed to pruning the tree.
7. It is very important not to overdo it and not thin out the crown of the plant too much, so as not to spoil the shape.
8. Trees growing in shady areas in the spring require little to no pruning due to little sunlight. The crown of such thuja rarely has a lush and dense shape.
9. It is important not to be late with timely shaping, as this will reduce the risk of disease and pest infestation.

Pests and diseases

Most thuja diseases in the spring arise due to the action of dangerous pathogens: fungi of the genus Fuzaruim, foma, cytospore, etc. They are able to infect both the crown and needles of the plant, and its shoots. A disease such as brown schütte affects only thuja needles.

To eliminate fungal diseases on a tree, it is best to use Bordeaux liquid or Kartocid solution. It is necessary to process conifers in the spring with an interval of 10 to 15 days, until the thuja is completely healed.

The most common conifer pests are thuja aphids and false shields. When a tree is affected by aphids, the needles begin to turn yellow and eventually fall off. To eliminate it, when spraying in the spring, a solution based on Karbofos, Rogom or Decis is used. No less dangerous for a tree is the thuja false shield, which is found on the needles and branches of the plant.

In the spring, before the buds bloom, the plant must be sprayed with Karbofos, at the end of June, treated twice with Aktellik, Rogor or Chlorophos (with an interval of 1 – 1,5 weeks).

Conclusion

Planting and caring for thuja in the open field have many features that are important to study before buying a tree for your site. The most optimal season for planting is spring, since it is during this period that the conifer will most quickly be able to adapt to new conditions. At the same time, it is extremely important to choose the right seedling, paying special attention to its appearance and the absence of physical damage. Planting thuja and caring for it in the spring is quite simple. However, it is necessary to familiarize yourself in advance with all the features of the content of the conifer: the watering schedule, the rules for loosening, mulching and fertilizing, as well as the prevention of typical diseases that can interfere with the healthy growth of the tree.