Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Feel the soil to see if it is bone dry.
- Check the undersides of leaves for tiny mites.
- Look for signs of spider web strands.
Likely causes
Spider Mites
Most likelyHow to tell: The foliage turns a sickly yellow or bronze color during hot, dry summer weather.
What to do: Increase humidity by spraying the foliage with water in the morning. Use an insecticidal soap if the mite population is high.
Drought Stress
PossibleHow to tell: The inner leaves turn yellow and eventually brown because the tree is not getting enough water.
What to do: Water the tree deeply every 7 to 14 days during dry spells. Ensure the water reaches the entire root zone.
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
It is normal for some inner foliage to yellow and drop in the fall as the tree sheds older growth. Be concerned if the yellowing is on the outer, newer growth.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the tree well mulched to retain soil moisture.
Arborvitae: yellow leaves? 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Is my tree dying if it turns yellow?
- Not necessarily, but it is a sign of stress. Identify the cause quickly to prevent further damage.
- Should I fertilize a yellowing tree?
- No, do not fertilize a stressed tree. Fix the water or pest issue first before adding any nutrients.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Arborvitae
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.