Caring for plant and pruning of plant as well as growth items. Also, I'd like to be able to print out this information.
Here is a link to an article on arborvitae that you can print out and reference:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/arborvitae/growing-arborvitae-trees.htm
I have a potted arborvitae approx 4' tall that is starting to topple over at the top. Can I prune it?
Arborvitae don't take well to pruning. You can do it but it may result in bare spots or mis-shaping in the plant. Your better course of action is to repot the plant into a bigger pot and this would stop the falling over.
If repotting is not an option, you can prune. Just proceed slowly and realize that if you cut growth off near the top, you will permanently restrict the height of the plant. You should only prune to reshape the plant and any deep pruning (where you cut off entire branches) will not likely grow back.
My recently planted row of arborvitae are getting brown spots and brownish around the bottom. What can I do?
This will help;
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/arborvitae/winter-damage-to-arborvitae.htm
Do I fertilize when planted or wait until the following year?
Fertilize this shrub 3 times a year.
March 30, June 30 and Sept. 30.
Use a slow release fertilizer.
NPK numbers of 12-6-8 or 14-7-7 will benefit your shrub.
Sprinkle around the dripline of plant, do not mix into the soil.
On planting it is recommended to sprinkle one tablespoon of lime around the dripline.
Should I top two arbs from 10 ft to 7? Will it harm them, and will they continue to grow up and out without a problem as healthy trees? No recent food was given in 5 years.
Topping arborvitae is not recommended. These articles explain why, and what you can do instead:
http://www.pennlive.com/gardening/2015/07/topping_a_line_of_too-tall_eve.html
https://ask.extension.org/questions/164462
Is there any advantage or disadvantage to planting a 2ft vs 4ft vs 6ft Thuja Green Giant. I realize there is a price advantage to planting a smaller tree, but is there a long term growth growth or tree health advantage to planting a smaller tree.
I worked at greenhouses and for landscapers over the years, and the answer most given to this question is, 'buy the largest tree specimen that you can afford'.
You always need to consider how fast a tree specimen's growth rate is and in the case of a Thuja Green Giant, they are very fast growers.
So choose a healthy plant and do not worry so much on the size you are starting with.
Smaller plants can be less stressed by transplant shock.
Planted 14 6'0" trees approximately a month ago. Have been watering daily and used -1- bag of the recommended garden soil and -1- Jobes Evergreen Tree and shrub fertilizer stakes per tree when planting. Have several that are getting brown spots Have -1- that has one side that has turned light brown and is drooping. What are we doing wrong Give each tree 14qt bucket of water daily except for days with heavy rain. We are in Illinois Central Should would give them some type fertilizer?
Arborvitae shrubs or trees require a deep, thorough watering immediately after planting to settle soil around the roots and remove air pockets. For the first year following transplant, arborvitae typically require weekly soaking in the form of rain or supplemental irrigation. Arborvitae planted in sandy soils or containers may require more frequent watering, especially when conditions are hot and dry. Applying water in the form of a slow trickle that penetrates the ground and soaks the entire root mass is crucial.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/arborvitae/growing-arborvitae-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/arborvitae/fertilizing-arborvitae-trees.htm