Damaged by wind arborvitae - Ask Extension
During a nearby December tornado, a large limp of our mature arborvitae has broken off. It is in the middle of a row of arbs alongside our county road...
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Damaged by wind arborvitae #785680
Asked March 31, 2022, 3:29 PM EDT
During a nearby December tornado, a large limp of our mature arborvitae has broken off. It is in the middle of a row of arbs alongside our county road, so we really hope we do not lose this tree! Please any ideas of what we can do to increase the chances of it living (paint the wound - and, if so, with what product?, etc.) would be appreciated. We hope to do what we can before insect season. Thanks in advance!
Winona County Minnesota
Expert Response
Insects are normally not a problem for arborvitae. You do need to clean up that tear with a clean cut, getting rid of that ragged area. You need not paint or seal it. You also may want to clean up those branches touching the ground to improve the appearance of your shrub. Arborvitae tend to have multiple stems and those thin ones touching the ground are not really necessary. Open the drop down boxes in this link:
Pruning trees and shrubs | UMN Extension
Pruning trees and shrubs | UMN Extension
