When To Plant Arborvitae?

Hi, friends! Today I will tell you when I plant thuja trees.

⚡QUICK ANSWER: The best time to plant arborvitae is in early spring or early fall. Planting in spring, between March and May, gives the tree a full growing season to establish a strong root system before winter arrives. Fall planting, ideally in September or October, is also excellent as long as it’s done at least six weeks before the first frost, allowing the roots to settle before the ground freezes.

USDA Zone	Best Planting Time
Zones 3–5 ❄️	Late April–May OR Late August–September
Zones 6–7 🌤	March–April OR September–October
Zones 8–9 ☀️	February–March OR October–November

🍂Planting arborvitae in fall

The best time to plant is early autumn, usually from late August through September and into early October. During this period, potted arborvitae can be safely transplanted into the ground with minimal stress.

If you live in northern regions, aim to plant in late August or early September to give the roots plenty of time to grow before the first frost. For those in Hardiness Zones 5–8, mid-September is a good choice. In southern areas, where frosts arrive later, late September to early October is ideal.

It’s very important to plant at least 30 days before the expected first frost. This gives the roots enough time to establish and strengthen before winter dormancy, setting the plant up for healthy growth in the next season.

🌱Planting arborvitae in spring

The next best time to plant Thuja is in spring. By March, temperatures have usually warmed enough to safely move the plant from its pot into the ground. In the southern states, planting can begin as early as late February, while in the northern United States, it’s better to wait until late March or early April.

Make sure the soil is not frozen before planting, as roots need loose, workable soil to grow. It’s also ideal to plant while the Thuja is still dormant, before sap starts to flow and new growth begins.

Spring planting has the advantage of supporting young, tender shoots. These new shoots need plenty of water and nutrients, which also helps the root system develop quickly and strongly.

☀️Planting arborvitae in summer

Summer is generally not the best season for planting arborvitae. Many trees planted during this time struggle to grow well, and some may not survive at all.

The main problem is that hot summer weather creates a difficult environment for root development. The combination of intense sunlight and insufficient soil moisture can quickly dry out the plant. Even with frequent watering, keeping the soil consistently moist is challenging, as water evaporates quickly in the heat.

If you need to plant in summer, try to do it in early or late summer. Late August can be a better choice, especially in northern regions, and may even be more successful than spring planting. Providing temporary shade for the young plant until cooler autumn weather arrives can also help protect it from sun stress and improve its chances of survival.

❄️Avoid planting in winter

Winter is another unsuitable season for planting arborvitae, mainly because of frozen soil. When a Thuja is transplanted during winter and exposed to severe frosts, the soil can expand and contract, putting pressure on the young, fragile roots. This stress can damage them and increase the risk of root rot.

Additionally, winter usually has higher humidity levels, which can make it harder for the plant to adapt to its new environment. Excess moisture around the roots can further increase the chances of rot and poor establishment.

🌲Ask me anything in the comments!🌲

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