A Large Arborvitae Hedge Has Been Replaced Twice At Blaise Alexander Ford In Lewisburg And The 3rd Row Just Planted Is Rapidly Dyi

Question

ng. In a Master Gardener lecture in Saratoga Springs, NY I learned of a similar problem. The Lewisburg location had recently demolished a large brick building. Similarly the SS restaurant had construction & replaced Arborvitae twice, both died. Per Cornell Cooperative Extension in Malta, NY the problem was building debris in the soil. One side of Lewisburg Arborvitae farthest away from the debris is thriving. Even though most (?) of the debris was removed could soil contamination from the demolished brick building be contaminating the soil?  I’m hoping you can make a site visit and I too would love to know how to solve this dilemma. He has a garden question for you about street lighting on the property and how it affects tree growth.. Many thanks.

Answer 1

Your best bet is to have a soil analysis done. Your local university cooperative extension service can take care of that. It will note any deficiencies plus give you the soil pH.

If a plant dies suspiciously of disease, it's best not to plant the same species again. The offending fungus/bacteria may still be in the soil. Often, the offender will not show in a different species, however.

Here is how to find your local extension service:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/design/lighting/are-streetlights-bad-for-plants.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/arborvitae/growing-arborvitae-trees.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-6/evergreen-trees-for-zone-6.htm

We are unable to make site visits. Hope this helps.