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Arborvitae · Thuja

Why is my Arborvitae looking sickly and wilting?

If your tree looks wilted despite having moist soil, it might be suffering from root rot. This happens when the roots sit in standing water for too long and begin to decay.

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root rot on a plant
Photo: Ninjatacoshell, CC BY-SA 3.0

Check these first

  1. Check if the soil is waterlogged or muddy.
  2. Examine the base of the trunk for soft or discolored bark.
  3. Verify your watering frequency.

Likely causes

  1. Poor Drainage

    Most likely

    How to tell: The soil stays soggy for days after watering, and the foliage begins to droop or turn yellow.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and allow the soil to dry out. If the area is low, you may need to improve drainage by adding organic matter or creating a slight mound.

  2. Overwatering

    Possible

    How to tell: The base of the tree feels soft, and the roots appear dark or mushy when inspected.

    What to do: Adjust your watering schedule to every 7 to 14 days. Only water when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your arborvitae

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

Root rot is very serious and often fatal once the foliage starts to turn brown and brittle. If the roots are black and mushy, the plant may not recover.

Stopping it coming back

Ensure your tree is planted in well draining soil and avoid letting water pool around the base.

Arborvitae: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your arborvitae and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Can I save a tree with root rot?
If caught early, you can improve drainage and reduce watering to help the roots recover. If the damage is extensive, the tree likely cannot be saved.
How much should I water?
Water deeply every 7 to 14 days. Always check the soil moisture before adding more water.

More problems with Arborvitae

Back to the Arborvitae guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.