Broken tree trunk on arborvitae. - Ask Extension
I have a house at Deep Creek. Two arborvitae, which were about 10 feet tall, both had the main trunk broken about 2 feet below the top. I am not sure ...
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Broken tree trunk on arborvitae. #885242
Asked September 14, 2024, 12:49 PM EDT
I have a house at Deep Creek. Two arborvitae, which were about 10 feet tall, both had the main trunk broken about 2 feet below the top. I am not sure how. This happened to 2 other ones last year. Will these plants develop a new leader or should I just replace. Would bear cubs possibly do this when trying to climb. There were a series of broken branches on one side as if something was climbing the tree.
Garrett County Maryland
Expert Response
If the trees are otherwise healthy you shouldn't need to replace them. The damaged ones will develop new growth at the top, but it may be a double leader, which may not be the exact shape you want but is o.k..
We can't say who did the damage but certainly a heavy bear cub could do so or even a porcupine in that area if there was gnawing damage too.
Given the intense heat and prolonged drought
of the last couple of years, (see here:
https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?MD)
the best thing you can do for those trees is to ensure that they stay hydrated. Here is our watering information:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/watering-trees-and-shrubs/
Christine
We can't say who did the damage but certainly a heavy bear cub could do so or even a porcupine in that area if there was gnawing damage too.
Given the intense heat and prolonged drought
of the last couple of years, (see here:
https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?MD)
the best thing you can do for those trees is to ensure that they stay hydrated. Here is our watering information:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/watering-trees-and-shrubs/
Christine
