My arborvitae tree is shedding leaves (Raleigh, Durham: pine, backyard, trees)

[buccaneer83]

Hi Friends,

I observed that the arborvitae trees in my backyard are shedding leaves. This started happening since 1 week. Is something wrong with it or is it seasonal. How can I save it?

I am new to this area and am not familiar with the vegetation here.

Please advise.

Thanks

[919 rtp]

Since week 1? did you just plant it?

It hasn't rained since Hurricane Matthew, so it might need a drink.

[twingles]

It will be OK. We had arborvitaes in NY, they do this sometimes.

[buccaneer83]

Okay. I will water it regular for few weeks and hope it recovers.

[JQ Public]

This is natural. Conifers shed leaves too. You may be noticing an excess of pine tree needles on the ground this time of year as well. As long as the arborvitae is shedding interior leaves (which it looks to be doing), you should be ok. They shed foliage after it exceeds 1 year of existence.

http://viette.indigofiles.com/Foliag...Evergreens.pdf

[919 rtp]

If this is newly planted, do a deep watering -- let the water sink into the ground.

[Bpobill]

Originally Posted by 919 rtp

Since week 1? did you just plant it?

It hasn't rained since Hurricane Matthew, so it might need a drink.

It rained in N Raleigh last night and also about a week or so ago. Last night was very heavy rain.

[919 rtp]

Originally Posted by Bpobill

It rained in N Raleigh last night and also about a week or so ago. Last night was very heavy rain.

I wrote my first response about 15 minutes before the rain started in Durham. First rain here since the hurricane and it was heavy.

[MarkCanWrite]

Mine are doing the same thing, and for the first time. I planted them about five years ago. Never heard of leaf drop before, but I hope that's what it is, because they were quite an investment.