Evergreen Tree Care Guide—Arborvitae and Cypress Trees

For arborvitae trees, cypress trees, and other needled evergreens

Evergreens like arborvitae and cypress are hardy, beautiful, and easy to care for once established. Think of this guide as your step-by-step playbook to help your new tree settle in, build strong roots, and look amazing for years to come. Whether you’re growing a privacy hedge or a statement tree, following good evergreen tree care practices from the start will set your plant up for long-term success.

Sunlight

Sunlight plays a huge role in keeping evergreens dense, green, and healthy. Understanding how much light your tree needs is one of the easiest ways to improve overall evergreen care and growth.

• Evergreens love the sunshine! Aim to plant them where they’ll soak up 4–8 hours of sun each day. Full sun is best, but a little afternoon shade won’t hurt in hotter areas.

Watering

Proper watering is the cornerstone of great evergreen tree care. The goal is to water deeply so roots grow strong and drought-resistant, not shallow and stressed.

Checking Moisture

Before reaching for the hose, do a quick soil check. Dig your finger about 2–3 inches deep around the rootball. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. When you do, go slow—let the water soak all the way through the root zone and surrounding soil so those roots get a good, deep drink.

Watering Schedule

• Week 1: Water every day.
• Weeks 2–3: Switch to watering every other day.
• Week 4 onward: Gradually reduce frequency by removing one watering day per week until you reach 1–2 deep waterings per week.

In hot or dry conditions, you may need to water more often—but always deeply rather than lightly.

Pro Tips

• Morning watering gives your plants a great start to the day.
• Bigger trees (3 gallons and up) need water to reach at least halfway down the rootball.
• Keep the soil around the root zone evenly moist—not soggy, not bone-dry.
• If things dry out too fast, add more water per session instead of watering more days.
• Keep up with this routine for at least two growing seasons (and a third if you’re in a hot climate).

Fertilizing

Feeding your evergreens properly is key to maintaining their lush color and steady growth. The right fertilizer routine can make a big difference in the long-term health and vigor of your evergreen trees.

• When planting, use a root stimulator with extra phosphorus to jump-start strong roots.
• Skip high-nitrogen fertilizers the first year—they’ll push leafy growth before roots are ready.
• After the first year, a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 or lower) keeps your evergreen happy and growing steadily.

Pruning

Pruning is one of the most misunderstood parts of evergreen tree maintenance. A light touch keeps your trees looking natural while preventing common mistakes that can stunt growth.

Evergreens mostly take care of themselves—no regular pruning required!

• If you’re growing a hedge, light shaping is fine.
• Snip off any brittle or dead branches when you see them.
• Avoid cutting the top; it can stunt growth and change the tree’s natural shape.

Size-Specific Tips

Whether you’ve planted a small starter or a large, established evergreen, each size has unique needs. Adjusting your evergreen care routine based on size helps your plant establish quickly and stay resilient.

Small Plants (1–3 gallons)

• Keep a closer eye on them—they dry out faster and need steady watering and root stimulation.
• Be patient: smaller plants take longer before you can scale back watering.
• If planting later in the year, early fall is ideal.
• Give them at least 1–2 months before the first freeze or major heat wave to get established.
• Mulch helps protect them and retain moisture during hot spells.

Large Plants (5–7 gallons or bigger)

• The biggest most common issue? Underwatering.
• Larger root systems need slow, deep watering to soak through the whole rootball.
• Avoid quick, shallow waterings—they only wet the surface and stress the roots.
• If your tree’s been thirsty for a while, rehydrate deeply and use a root stimulator to help it bounce back.

Common Issues & Fixes

Even with the best evergreen tree care, a few bumps in the road can happen. Spotting early warning signs—like yellowing needles or brittle branches—helps you correct problems before they spread.

Problem	Likely Cause	Solution
Yellowing/Browning within 2 weeks	Transplant shock	Check soil moisture; keep schedule steady. Apply root stimulator.
Weeds or competing plants	Root competition or poor prep	Clear space; mulch with wood chips to retain moisture.
Brittle branches	Severe stress or root loss	Remove dead branches; adjust watering; contact support.

Recommended Products

The right tools and treatments can make all the difference in evergreen tree care, especially during the first year after planting. Here are a few tried-and-true products that help new trees get off to a strong start.

• Root Rocket® Evergreen Rocket — This unique formulation has the nutrients your evergreens need to establish quickly and thrive after transplanting. A 4-1-2 blend of Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium, this fertilizer also contains tons of beneficial microbials that help increase nutrient availability in the soil while defending against plant stress. 
• ArborRain® Slow-Release Watering Ring — Delivers deep, even watering right to the root zone.
• Mini Coil Hose + Wand Sprayer — Compact hose with ergonomic wand for precise, gentle watering.