How to Protect Your Arborvitaes During the Winter

Late fall into early winter is the ideal time for Maine gardeners to protect narrow, upright arborvitae such as 'Emerald Green' (also known as 'Smaragd') and 'Degroot's Spire' from winter damage. Heavy, wet snow and ice can easily splay apart the branches of these multi-stemmed evergreens, especially when plants are young or newly established. Taking a few minutes now to secure and shield them can prevent months of frustration and costly replacement in spring.

Add Support

Before winter storms arrive, provide gentle support by twining jute string or soft garden twine around the plant from the bottom up. Start at the base and work upward in a spiral pattern, looping the twine snugly but not tightly around the branches. The goal is to keep the branches close together so they can support one another under snow load without cutting into the foliage. For larger or older plants, you can also use a few well-placed bamboo stakes to help maintain shape and stability.

Deer Protection

Arborvitae are a favorite winter snack for deer, especially when natural food sources are scarce. To deter browsing, gently wrap smaller plants in burlap, leaving enough space for air circulation. For taller or grouped plantings, insert four wooden stakes around each plant about six inches from the outer branches and staple burlap to the stakes to form a protective barrier. Be sure your burlap screen extends at least 8 feet high to account for snow buildup that can act as a platform for deer to reach higher branches.

These simple steps will help safeguard your arborvitae from snow and wildlife damage, ensuring that they remain healthy, full, and attractive when the snow melts and your landscape comes back to life in spring.