Evergreen 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. Follow this guide to help your plant settle in, grow strong roots, and thrive for years to come.

Sunlight

Generally, these evergreen trees perform best when planted in full to partial sun. Plant yours in a spot with 4-8 hours of sunlight per day.

Watering

Checking Moisture

Before watering, check soil moisture 2–3 inches deep in several spots around the rootball. Only water if this zone feels dry. Apply water slowly and deeply to reach the entire rootball and surrounding soil.

Watering Schedule

• Week 1: Water daily.
• Weeks 2–3: Water 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 is best.
• For plants larger than 3 gallons, make sure water reaches at least half the depth of the rootball.
• Keep the surrounding soil (2–3× rootball width) evenly moist—not soggy or dry.
• If soil dries out too quickly, increase the amount per session before adding days.
• Monitor for 2 growing seasons; in hotter regions, continue checking through the third.

Fertilizing

• At planting: Use a root stimulator with higher phosphorus to encourage strong root growth.
• Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers during the first year.
• After year 1: Apply a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or lower.

Pruning

• No routine pruning required unless forming a hedge.
• Only remove brittle, dead branches.
• Avoid cutting back the top—this can permanently stunt growth and ruin the tree’s natural form.

Size-Specific Tips

Small Plants (1–3 gallons)

• Require closer monitoring and consistent root stimulation.
• Take longer to reduce watering frequency—be patient.
• Best planted in early fall if planting late in the season.
• Allow 1–2 months before first freeze or major heat wave.
• Protect with mulch and maintain watering in hot weather.

Large Plants (5–7 gallons or bigger)

• Most common issue: underwatering.
• Larger root systems need slow, deep watering to fully saturate.
• Avoid light, frequent watering—it leads to surface dryness and root stress.
• If underwatered, rehydrate deeply and apply a root stimulator to help recover lost roots.

Common Issues & Fixes

Recommended Products

• Evergreen Rocket — Narrow, columnar evergreen for tight spaces and privacy rows.
• 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.