Are they dying? - Ask Extension
I have a row of Arborvitae that have lost their green at the bottoms. At first I thought the bunnies were eating them, but it seems to be spreading up...
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Are they dying? #823784
Asked March 28, 2023, 9:23 PM EDT
I have a row of Arborvitae that have lost their green at the bottoms. At first I thought the bunnies were eating them, but it seems to be spreading upwards. Can you tell what’s wrong with them? The upper parts seem fine…
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
I searched the web for images of rabbit damage on arborvitae and came up with a good match for your trees. Have you seen rabbits?
Do some investigating. Look closely for nibbled ends. I zoomed in and twigs look "clipped" to me. Get close, parting twigs and checking the trunk for chewing or other trunk problems.
The damage is done, but the rest of the tree looks strong, and may grow branches that hang down, covering the trunk. The twigs already cut into the brown wood won't re-grow, however.
Some resources: Ask Extension question & answer from Minnesota, and another. Animals climb on the snow, so damage in those regions can be dramatic.
Oregon Extension EC 1579 covers dealing with nuisance wildlife generally.
Do some investigating. Look closely for nibbled ends. I zoomed in and twigs look "clipped" to me. Get close, parting twigs and checking the trunk for chewing or other trunk problems.
The damage is done, but the rest of the tree looks strong, and may grow branches that hang down, covering the trunk. The twigs already cut into the brown wood won't re-grow, however.
Some resources: Ask Extension question & answer from Minnesota, and another. Animals climb on the snow, so damage in those regions can be dramatic.
Oregon Extension EC 1579 covers dealing with nuisance wildlife generally.
