A thuja in the sale: can it establish before winter?
The yellow-green thuja in the photograph can often be planted late, but in Hartungviken a few weeks and the watering matter more than the discount. There is a straightforward way to judge whether the purchase is still worthwhile.
This looks like a golden-leaved thuja. It can be planted out now, and late August is still a good time for conifers in the ground, as the soil remains warm enough for new roots even while above-ground growth is slowing.
The important thing is not for it to establish completely before winter, but to gain a foothold. That is usually enough to improve its chances compared with waiting until the weather becomes properly cold. Hartungviken, Sweden, has less leeway than areas farther south, so plant straight away rather than leaving it in its pot for a long time.
What matters most now
- Plant in the ground promptly, rather than in several weeks.
- Set it at the same depth as in the pot, not deeper.
- Water thoroughly at planting, then keep the rootball from drying out through autumn.
- Add bark or leaves over the soil to moderate moisture and reduce frost heave.
- Avoid feeding now; it needs to root, not be pushed into soft late growth.
If it is badly pot-bound, gently loosen the outermost roots before planting. If autumn turns cold early and the ground may soon freeze, planting promptly is better than waiting for a ‘perfect’ moment. The next checkpoint is simple: if it remains evenly moist after two to three weeks without the tips drying, you have given it the best chance for winter.
Sources and images 1
- Original reader contribution ↗Reader question