Thuja Green Giants

Question

I am getting ready to plant 1′ Thuja Green Giants. Are root stimulants a good idea when planting (such as Green Light brand)? If so, what brand do you recommend? Should I use a root stimulant in combination with a gardening soil (such as Miracle Gro’s brand for trees and shrubs)? If not, which method should I use? Can you recommend a good brand of gardening soil? Should I plant these trees in a muddy soup mixture of water, gardening soil/root stimulant and dirt and then refil the hole with the dirt that I accumulated by digging?

I will also be mulching around these trees, leaving 3″ of space between the mulch and the trunk. Good idea? Are tree protector rings a better choice than the mulch? Do they provide the same results? Brand recommendations for mulch and tree rings? I’ve heard to get the cheapest mulch because it’s all the same… is that true? How long should I mulch/keep tree rings around the trees? Forever?

How long do Thuja Green Giants usually live? How long does it take the 1′ ones to get established? These will be planted in direct sunlight 10 feet apart. As you can probably tell, I’ve never done this before and want to do this right!

Answer 1

Root stimulants are not necessary when planting these trees, especially if all their growing requirements are supplied. Mulch around the trees should be adequate, so no need for the protector rings, though as you say keep this at least 2-3 inches from the trunk. These trees are typically fast growers. For more info on growing thuja (or arborvitae) trees, this article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/arborvitae/growing-arborvitae-trees.htm