How to Care for Arborvitae Trees in the Winter
- 1). Water each tree deeply in late fall if your area experienced only small amounts of rain over the previous six months. Avoid pruning any part of your arborvitae throughout the winter months. Pruning during this time of year reduces the winter hardiness of the trees.
- 2). Distribute 4 inches of wood mulch around the base of the trees. The mulch should extend 2 feet out from each tree's center. Mulch insulates the tree's root system and protects against frigid winter weather.
- 3). Secure vinyl netting around the arborvitae trees. Netting helps to support the branches, protecting them against the weight of snow and ice.
- 4). Wrap two panels of burlap around the widest part of each tree, with one panel higher up on the tree than the other and approximately 4 inches of open space between each panel. Burlap permits the passage of air throughout the interior of the tree, allowing it to "breathe," while protecting it from extreme winters.
Source...